TA1N140411. C.
lUSSONS FROM THE
,
A
SENIOR DIVISIbN, No. 249, THIRD QUARTER, 195
Sabbath School Lesson Quarterly, No. 249, July-September, 1957. 15 cents a single copy, 50 cents
a year, in U.S.A. and Canada; 15 cents a single copy, 60 cents a year to all other countries. Published
in the U.S.A. by Pacific Press Publishing Association (a corporation of S.D.A.), Mountain View,
California. Entered as second-class matter Oct. 13, 1904, at the post office in Mountain View, Califor-
nia, under the Act of Congress of March 3, 1879. Acceptance for mailing at special rate of postage
provided for in Section 1103, Act of Oct. 3, 1917, and authorized Sept. 18, 1918. When a change of
address is desired, please be sure to send both old and new addresses.
Copyright, 1957, by Pacific Press Publishing Association
Printeil in U.S.A.
Sabbath School Lesson Quarterly
LESSONS FROM THE ACTS OF THE APOSTLES—H
Lesson 1, for July 6, 1957
Paul's First Missionary Journey; Cyprus and Pisidia
LESSON SCRIPTURE:
Acts
13:1-50.
MEMORY VERSE:
"The Gentiles shall come
of thy rising." Isa. 60:3.
STUDY HELPS:
E. G. White, "The Acts of
Help in "Review and Herald" of June
Commentary," Acts, chapter 13.
to thy light, and kings to the brightness
the Apostles," pages 160-176; Lesson
20; "The Seventh-day Adventist Bible
DAILY STUDY ASSIGNMENT AND RECORD
Check Here
Sabbath afternoon: General survey.
❑
Sunday: Questions 1-3.
❑
Monday: Questions 4-9.
❑
Tuesday: Questions 10-12.
❑
PURPOSE OF THE LESSON:
To observe how
Holy Spirit, carried on a systematic
among heathen people.
Check Here
Wednesday: Questions 13-16.
❑
Thursday: Read from the Study
Helps.
0
Friday: Review entire lesson.
the apostles, under the guidance of the
and successful evangelistic campaign
Lesson Outline:
The Setting of the Lesson
I. Saul and Barnabas Selected
1.
The prophets and teachers of
Antioch. Acts 13:1..
2.
Instruction from the Holy Spirit.
Acts 13
.
2.
3.
The missionaries appointed. Acts
13:3, 4, firsb part, 5, last part.
II. The Gospel to Cyprus
4.
The arrival on Cyprus. Acts 13:4,
last part, 5, first part.
5.
In the Jewish synagogue. Acts 13:5.
6.
The gospel to the governor. Acts
13:7.
III. Resistance and Acceptance
7.
Serious opposition by a sorcerer.
Acts 13:6,
8-11.
8.
The governor converted. Acts 13:12
[al
9.
Saul of Tarsus becomes Paul the
apostle. Acts 13:9.
IV. Evangelism in Antioch of Pisidia
10.
The defection of John Mark.
Acts 13:13.
11.
The first Sabbath in Antioch.
Acts 13:14, 16, 42.
12.
Christ the center of the gospel.
Acts 13:22, 23, 27-37.
13.
Blessing to those who believed.
Acts 13:38, 39.
V. A Church Established
14.
The second Sabbath in Antioch.
Acts 13:42, 44.
15.
Opposition to the gospel. Acts
13:45-50.
16.
The gospel to the Gentiles. Acts
13:46.
THE LESSON
The Setting of the Lesson
Introduction:
Devout prophets and teach-
ers in Antioch were directed by the Holy
Spirit to ordain Saul and Barnabas to go
forth as missionaries to the Gentiles. Their
first point of call was the island of Cyprus,
where God gave them victory over satanic
opposition, and the governor of the island
as a convert. From there they went to the
mainland, evangelizing both Jews and Gen-
tiles in Antioch of Pisidia, and going on to
cities in the province of Lycaonia. Churches
were organized and church officers elected.
Places:
Antioch in Syria; Seleucia its
seaport; Salamis and Paphos in Cyprus;
Perga in Pamphyllia ; Antioch in Pisidia.
Persons:
Saul, Barnabas, Simeon, Niger,
Lucius, and Manaen, prophets and teach-
ers of Antioch; John Mark, Barnabas's
nephew; Elymas, the Cypriote sorcerer; the
governor of Cyprus, Sergius Paulus; Jews in
the synagogue; Gentiles of the cities.
Interesting Terms:
"Deputy." The orig-
inal word should be translated "Procon-
sul," the title of the governor of a province,
serving under the political control of the
Roman senate, rather than under the em-
peror.
"Minister." John Mark as a "minister"
was the servant or attendant of the mission-
aries.
Saul and Barnabas Selected
1.
Who were the leading gospel
workers in the church of Antioch in
Syria? Acts 13:1.
NoTE.—The men named were "prophets"
and "teachers." Prophecy and teaching
4
were gifts of the Spirit (1 Cor. 12:8, 10;
Eph. 4:11), and these men were "spiritual"
men (Gal. 6:1), men possessed of spiritual
gifts for the upbuilding of the church.
2.
What instruction did the Holy
Spirit give? Acts 13:2.
3.
By what ceremony and for what
work were Saul and Barnabas set
aside? Who else was in the mission-
ary party? Acts 13:3, 4, first part, 5,
last part. Compare Acts 12:25.
NOTE.—"Both Paul and Barnabas had
been laboring as ministers of Christ, and
God had abundantly blessed their efforts;
but neither of them had previously been
formally ordained to the gospel ministry by
prayer and the laying on of hands. They
were now authorized by the church, not
only to teach the truth, but to baptize, and
to organize churches, being invested with
full ecclesiastical authority. . . .
"The ceremony of the laying on of hands
added no new grace or virtual qualification.
It was merely setting the seal of the church
upon the work of God—an acknowledged
form of designation to an appointed office.
"This form was a significant one to the
Jews. When a Jewish father blessed his
children, he laid his hands reverently upon
their heads. When an animal was devoted
to sacrifice, the hand of the one invested
with priestly authority was laid upon the
head of the victim. Therefore, when the
ministers of Antioch laid their hands upon
the apostles, they, by that action, asked
God to bestow His blessing upon them, in
EVERY CHURCH MEMBER IS AN "APOSTLE,"
"ONE
SEINT"ON AMISSION
FOR GOD.
NWM
their devotion to the specific work which
God had chosen them to do."—E. G. White,
Sketches From the Life of Paul,
pages
42-44.
The word "apostle" comes from a Greek
word meaning "sent." Our word "mission-
ary" comes from a Latin word having the
same meaning. The words meant originally
the same thing, and Saul and Barnabas
now became "apostles" in the strict mean-
ing of the word, men "sent," or "mission-
aries."
The Gospel to Cyprus
4.
Where did the newly ordained
missionaries first go, and why? Acts
13:4, last part, 5, first part.
NOTE.—Barnabas was from Cyprus. Acts
4:36. The island was not far from the
missionaries' point of sailing. Copper mines
held a busy working population on the is-
land, including many Jews. The paganism
was of a morally degrading character.
5.
To whom did Saul and Barnabas
first preach? Acts 13:5.
NoTE.—It was the invariable practice of
the apostle to the Gentiles to preach to the
Jews, usually as part of his endeavors in a
new place. See also Acts 17:1, 2; 18:1, 4;
19:1, 8.
6.
At Paphos who was especially
eager to hear the gospel? Acts 13:7.
Resistance and Acceptance
7.
What particular resistance to
the gospel was met at Paphos? Acts
13:6, 8-11.
8.
What blessing came to Sergius
Paulus? Acts 13:12.
9.
What change of name came to
Saul about this time? Acts 13:9.
NoTE.—The name Saul meant "asked"
(Hebrew), and Paul meant "little" (Latin).
Various theories have been put forward to
explain the change of name: (1) That
"Paul" was a "nickname" from his early
youth; (2) that it was conferred upon him
by the Roman governor of Cyprus, Sergius
Paulus, Paul's first influential convert; (3)
that since he was starting on a preaching
tour in distant lands among the Gentiles,
he adopted a Roman name. The last seems
the most reasonable explanation.
Evangelism in Antioch of Pisidia
10.
What occurred at Perga? Acts
13:13.
NOTE.—"It was here that Mark, over-
whelmed with fear and discouragement,
wavered for a time in his purpose to give
himself wholeheartedly to the Lord's work.
Unused to hardships, he was disheartened
by the perils and privations of the way.
He had labored with success under favor-
able circumstances; but now, amidst the
opposition and perils that so often beset the
pioneer worker, he failed to endure hardness
as a good soldier of the cross. He had yet
to learn to face danger and persecution and
adversity with a brave heart. As the apos-
[ 5
ties advanced, and still greater difficulties
were apprehended, Mark was intimidated,
and losing all courage, refused to go far-
ther, and returned to Jerusalem."—E. G.
White,
Acts of the Apostles,
pages 169, 170.
11.
Where in Antioch did the mis-
sionaries start preaching? To whom?
Acts 13:14, 16, 42.
NOTE.—In the synagogue were "men of
Israel," that is, Jews, and "ye that fear
God." The "God fearers" were evidently
proselytes to Judaism from paganism, who
had received circumcision and been ad-
mitted to synagogue worship. They were
thus farther advanced into the Jewish faith
than the "devout" ones.
Antioch was an important city in Pisidia
and was called the "little Damascus." The
populace was cosmopolitan and included,
besides natives, Greeks, Romans, and a
large Jewish segment.
12.
Concerning whom did Paul
preach? Acts 13:22, 23, 27-37. Com-
pare Acts 8:35.
Nom.—Christ was always the center of
Paul's preaching, and also of his writing.
There is scarcely one whole sentence in
Paul's recorded sermons, or in the admoni-
tions of his epistles, which does not contain
a loving and instructive reference to Jesus.
Paul's life and work was Christ-centered,
as ours should be.
"Before his conversion, Paul was a bitter
persecutor of the followers of Christ. But
at the gate of Damascus a voice spoke to
him, light from heaven shone into his soul,
and in the revelation that there came to
him, of the Crucified One, he beheld that
which changed the whole current of his life.
Henceforth love for the Lord of glory,
whom he had so relentlessly persecuted in
the person of His saints, came before all
else. To him had been given the ministry
of making known 'the mystery' which had
been 'kept secret since the world began.'
`He is a chosen vessel unto Me,' declared
the Angel who appeared to Ananias, 'to
bear My name before the Gentiles, and
kings, and the children of Israel.'
"And throughout his long term of serv-
ice, Paul never faltered in his allegiance to
his Saviour."—E. G. White,
Gospel Work-
ers,
page .58.
13.
What blessing did Paul say the
Lord would bring to those who be-
lieved in Him? Acts 13:38, 39. Com-
pare Acts 2:38 and 3:19.
A Church Established
14.
When did Paul again preach in
the synagogue, and to whom? Acts
13:44.
15.
What bitter opposition arose
against the apostle? Acts 13:45-50.
16.
When the Jews rejected the
gospel message, to whom did Paul
turn? Acts 13:46.
Lesson 2, for July 13, 1957
The Apostles in Conflict With Heathenism
LESSON SCRIPTURE:
Acts 13:51 to
14:28.
MEMORY. VERSE:
"Nevertheless He left not Himself without witness, in that He did
good,: and gave .us rain from heaven, and fruitful seasons, filling our hearts
with fond' arid gladness!! Acts 14:17.
6
STUDY HELPS: E. G. White, "The Acts of the Apostles," pages 177-187; Lesson Help
in "Review and Herald" of June 27; "The Seventh-day Adventist Bible Com-
mentary," Acts, chapter 14.
DAILY STUDY ASSIGNMENT AND RECORD
Check Here
Check' Here
Sabbath afternoon: General survey.
❑
Wednesday: Questions 11-14.
❑
Sunday: Questions 1-4.
❑
Thursday: Read from the Study
Monday: Questions 5-7.
❑
Helps.
❑
Tuesday: Questions 8-10.
❑
Friday: Review entire lesson.
❑
PURPOSE OF THE LESSON: To learn how the Holy Spirit succeeded in converting
opposing Jews and unregenerate heathen through the instrumentality of
courageous and determined men.
Lesson Outline:
The Setting of the Lesson
I. Success in Iconium
1.
The apostles move to Iconium.
Acts 13:51.
2.
The believers filled with the Holy
Spirit. Acts 13:52.
3.
The gospel to Jews and Gentiles.
Acts 14:1-3.
4.
The opposition of persecutors.
Acts 14:4, 5.
II. Dangers in Lystra
5.
A miracle of healing. Acts 14:8-10;
16:1, 2 ; 2 Tim. 3:10, 11.
6.
An attempt to worship the mission-
aries. Acts 14:11-13.
7.
Paul resists honors. Acts 14:14, 15,
first part.
8.
The true God identified. Acts
14:15-18.
9.
Would-be worshipers become
enemies. Acts 14:19.
10.
Paul goes to Derbe.
Acts 14:20.
III. Organizing New Churches
11.
The converts confirmed. Acts
14:21, 22.
12.
Elders elected. Acts 14:23.
13.
The return to Antioch in Syria.
Acts 14:26,'27.
14.
God's grace to the Gentiles.
Acts 14:27, last part.
THE LESSON
Persons:
Paul and Barnabas; the Jews;
a lame man; heathen priests; Timothy of
Lystra; Gaius of Derbe; many Gentile be-
lievers; church elders.
Interesting Terms:
"Rent their clothes."
A Jewish gesture, in which the outer gar-
ment was ripped through the lower hem, in
vigorous disapproval of something occur-
ring; usually, as here, an act of irreverence.
It was unlawful for the high priest to rend
his robe. See Matthew 26:65.
"Ordained . . . elders." The word "el-
der" comes from two Greek words: (1)
episkopos,
meaning "overseer," whence
come the English words "episcopacy" and
[
7]
The Setting of the Lesson
Introduction:
When Paul and Barnabas
left Antioch in Pisidia they entered a more
remote and less cultured area. There were
communities of Jews in Iconium and Lystra
which furnished both converts to, and bitter
opponents of, the gospel. Many of the
heathen were converted. It is undoubtedly
to dangers in this region to which Paul re-
ferred in 2 Corinthians 11:26.
Places:
The cities of Iconium, Lystra,
and Derbe in the province of Lycaonia, in
the south-central part of modern Turkey.
Iconium is now called Konya.
LIKE PAUL AND
BARNABAS, WE MAY
BE CALLED TO DEFEND
OUR FAITH IN CHRIST.
"bishop;" and (2)
presbuteros,
whence
come the English words "presbyter" (elder)
and Presbyterian. The two words describe
the same office, as in Acts 20:17, 28 and
Titus 1:5-7. In the early Christian church
there were no bishops in the modern sense
of that term.
Success in Iconium
1.
To what place did Paul and
Barnabas next go? Acts 13:51.
NoTE.—Shaking off the dust from the
sandals was a mark of supreme repudiation
for the Jew. Jesus had given instructions
that "when they persecute you in this city,
flee ye into another." Matt. 10:23.
2.
What was the spiritual condi-
tion of the believers? Acts 13:52.
3.
What two classes listened to the
apostles' preaching? What striking
signs attended the gospel work? Acts
14:1-3.
NOTE.—"The apostles, however, were not
easily turned from their work, for many
were daily embracing the doctrine of Christ.
They went on faithfully in the face of op-
position, envy, and prejudice. Miracles
were daily wrought by the disciples through
the power of God; and all whose minds
were open to evidence were affected by the
convincing power of these things.
"This increasing popularity of the doc-
trine of Christ stirred the unbelieving Jews
to fresh opposition. . . . They went to the
authorities, and represented their work in
the most false and exaggerated light, lead-
ing the officers to fear that the entire city
was in danger of being incited to insurrec-
tion. They stated that great numbers were
attaching themselves to the apostles, and
suggested that it was for secret and danger-
ous designs.
"In consequence of these charges, the
disciples were repeatedly brought before the
authorities; but in every case they so ably
defended themselves before the people, that,
although the magistrates were prejudiced
against them by the false statements they
had heard, they dared not condemn them.
They could but acknowledge that the teach-
ings of the apostles were calculated to make
men virtuous, law-abiding citizens."—E. G.
White,
Sketches From the Life of Paul,
pages 52, 53.
4.
What sort of opposition de-
veloped? From what threat did the
apostles flee? Acts 14:4, 5.
NOTE.—"The rage of the Jews was
worked up to such a pitch on this account
that they determined to compass their ends
in some manner. They stirred up the worst
passions of the ignorant, noisy mob, creat-
ing a tumult which they attributed to the
efforts of the apostles. They then prepared
to make a false charge of telling force, and
to gain the help of the magistrates in carry-
ing out their purpose. They determined
that the apostles should have no oppor-
tunity to vindicate themselves; but that
mob power should interfere, and put a stop
to their labors by stoning them to death.
"Friends of the apostles, although unbe-
lievers, warned them of the designs of the
malicious Jews, and urged them not to ex-
pose themselves uselessly to their fury, but
to escape for their lives. They accordingly
departed from Iconium in secret, and left
[ 8 ]
the faithful and opposing parties to battle
for themselves, trusting God to give victory
to the doctrine of Christ."—E. G. White,
Sketches From the Life of Paul,
page 54.
Dangers in Lystra
5.
What miracle took place in
Lystra? Who was a noteworthy con-
vert gained in that city? Acts 14:8-10;
16:1, 2; 2 Tim. 3:10, 11.
6.
With whom did the people
identify Paul and Barnabas, and with
what consequence? Acts 14:11-13.
NoTE.—"These Lycaonians . exclaimed
that the gods had again visited them in the
likeness of men,—that Jupiter and Mercury
were again in Lycaonia,—that the persua-
sive speaker was Mercury and his com-
panion Jupiter. They identified Paul with
Mercury, because his eloquence corre-
sponded with one of that divinity's attri-
butes. Paul was the 'chief speaker,' and
Mercury was the god of eloquence. And if
it be asked why they identified Barnabas
with Jupiter, it is evidently a sufficient an-
swer to say that these two divinities were
always represented as companions in their
terrestrial expeditions."—W. J. Conybeare
and J. S. Howson,
The Life and Epistles of
St. Paul,
page 192.
7.
How did Paul disclaim proffered
honors? Acts 14:14, 15, first part.
8.
In what terms did Paul identify
the one true God? Acts
14:15-18.
NoTE.—Paul presented the God of heaven
as a God who is the ruler of all nature, and
who supplies men's needs through nature's
operations, personally supplying each of His
creatures, whether or not they are serving
Him. Compare Matt. 5:45.
9.
Into what contrary course did
enemy Jews from other cities lead the
people? Acts 14:19.
10.
To what city did Paul and Bar-
nabas next go? Acts 14:20.
Organizing New Churches
11.
As the apostles traveled back
the way they had come, how was the
faith of the believers strengthened?
Acts 14:21, 22.
NOTE.—"This is one great typical lesson
taught us here by St. Paul's return journey
through Lystra, Iconium, and Antioch of
Pisidia. Preaching and evangelistic work are
important; but pastoral work and Church
consolidation and Church order are equally
important, if any permanent fruits are to be
garnered and preserved."—G. T. Stokes,
The Acts of the Apostles,
vol. 2, in
The Ex-
positor's Bible
series, page 217.
12.
What was done to establish the
work already begun? Acts 14:23.
NOTE.—"Churches were duly organized
in the places before mentioned, elders ap-
pointed in each church, and the proper or-
der and system established there."—E. G.
White,
The Spirit of Prophecy, vol.
3, p.
368.
13.
How did the apostles testify in
Antioch concerning the work of the
Lord? Acts 14:26, 27.
14.
To what class especially had
God extended His grace? Acts 14:27,
last part.
[9
]
Lesson 3, for July 20, 1957
The Council of Jerusalem Brings Harmony
LESSON SCRIPTURE:
Acts 15:1-31.
MEMORY VERSE:
"But we believe that through the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ
we shall be saved, even as they." Acts 15:11.
STUDY HELPS:
E. G. White, "The Acts of the Apostles," pages 188-200; Lesson Help
in "Review and Herald" of July 4; "The Seventh-day Adventist Bible Commen-
tary," Acts, chapter 15.
DAILY STUDY ASSIGNMENT AND RECORD
Check
Here
Sabbath afternoon: General survey.
❑
Sunday: Questions 1-3.
❑
Monday: Questions 4, 5.
❑
Tuesday: Questions 6-10.
❑
Check
Here
Wednesday: Questions 11-14.
❑
Thursday: Read from the Study
Helps.
❑
Friday: Review entire lesson.
PURPOSE OF THE LESSON:
To see how the church, through the deliberations of a
council of its delegates, and through the influence of the Holy Spirit, could set-
tle a serious point of difference: as to what elements of the Mosaic ritual
should be required of those converted to Jesus Christ from heathenism.
Lesson Outline:
The Setting of the Lesson
I. Controversy Over Observances
1.
The erroneous teaching of some
Jewish Christians. Acts 15:1.
2.
The plea for the Gentiles. Acts 15:2.
3.
A good report to the churches en
route. Acts 15:3.
II. A Church Council Convened
4.
Paul's testimony of the work of
God. Acts 15:4, 6; Gal. 2:2.
5.
James, the council president. Acts
15:13.
III. The Elements of the Controversy
6. Insistence on ritual. Acts 15:5.
7.
Peter's position. Acts 15:7, 8.
8.
The purification of the Gentiles.
Acts 15:9.
9.
Freedom for the Gentiles. Acts
15:10.
10.
Salvation by grace. Acts 15:11.
IV. Minimum Requirements Defined
11.
Gentile Christian not obligated
by Hebrew ritual. Acts 15:24,
20, 29.
12.
The Holy Spirit's instructions.
Acts 15:28.
13.
The decision sent to the churches.
Acts 15:22, 23, 27.
14.
Rejoicing among the Gentile
converts. Acts 15:31.
THE LESSON
The Setting of the Lesson
introduction:
Many converted Pharisees,
often called Judaizers, wanted the con-
verted heathen to observe certain rules con-
cerning circumcision and other rituals of
the Mosaic law, as necessary to salvation.
Paul and Barnabas considered that the Gen-
[ 10
tiles, saved by the grace of Christ, should
not be thus burdened. James, the presiding
officer of the council, and Simon Peter
stood with the missionaries and gained vic-
tory on the side of freedom in Christ, al-
though Peter later wavered. Gal. 2:11-21.
Places:
Cities in Phoenicia and Samaria
where there were churches; Jerusalem ; An-
tioch in Syria.
Persons:
Saul; Barnabas; Simon Peter;
James the brother of Jesus, and president
of the council of Jerusalem; church elders;
the believers; Judas Barsabas; Silas.
Controversy Over Observances
1.
What did certain Jewish Chris-
tians from Judea teach? Acts 15:1.
NorE.—"Certain Jews from Judea raised
a general consternation among the believ-
ing Gentiles by agitating the question of
circumcision. They asserted with great as-
surance, that none could be saved without
being circumcised and keeping the entire
ceremonial law.
"This was an important question, and
one which affected the church in a very
great degree. Paul and Barnabas met it
with promptness, and opposed introducing
the subject to the Gentiles. They were op-
posed in this by the believing Jews of Anti-
och, who favored the position of those
from Judea. The matter resulted in much
discussion and want of harmony in the
church, until finally the church at Antioch,
apprehending that a division among them
would occur from any further discussion
of the question, decided to send Paul and
Barnabas, together with some responsible
men of Antioch, to Jerusalem, to lay the
matter before the apostles and elders."—
E. G. White,
Sketches From the Life of
Paul,
page 63.
2.
In the controversy over the cere-
monial law what relief did the apos-
tles seek? Acts 15:2.
NOTE.—"There are two errors against
which the children of God—particularly
those who have just come to trust in His
grace—especially need to guard. The first,
already dwelt upon, is that of looking to
their own works, trusting to anything they
can do, to bring themselves into harmony
with God. He who is trying to become holy
by his own works in keeping the law, is at-
tempting an impossibility. All that man can
do without Christ is polluted with selfish-
ness and sin. It is the grace of Christ
alone, through faith, that can make us
holy.
"The opposite and no less dangerous er-
ror is, that belief in Christ releases men
from keeping the law of God; that since by
faith alone we become partakers of the
grace of Christ, our works have nothing
to do with our redemption.
"But notice here that obedience is not
a
mere outward compliance, but
-
the service
of love."—E. G. White,
Steps to Christ,
pages 64, 65.
3.
How did the churches of Phoe-
nicia and Samaria respond to the
apostles' testimony? Acts 15:3.
A Church Council Convened
4.
To what groups did Paul report
when he reached Jerusalem? Acts
15:4, 6; Gal.
2:2.
Nom.—Paul reported (1) to the church
at Jerusalem; (2) to certain leading apos-
tles privately (Gal. 2:2) ; (3) to the apos-
tles and elders in council.
5.
Who presided at the council?
Acts 15:13.
NOTE.—In chapter 12 is the record of the
martyrdom of James the son of Zebedee.
The James who presided at the council was
a brother of Jesus, and doubtless the author
of the Epistle of James.
"The council which decided this case was
composed of the founders of the Jewish and
Gentile Christian churches. Elders from
Jerusalem, and deputies from Antioch, were
present; and the most influential churches
were represented. The council did not claim
infallibility in their deliberations, but
[ 11
—
•GO°
V.C'
Man cannot be holy by his works.
'Ile
The grace of Christ alone con lift him front sin.

moved from the dictates of enlightened
judgment, and with the dignity of a church
established by the divine will."—E. G.
White,
The Spirit of Prophecy,
vol. 3, p.
376.
The Elements of the Controversy
6.
What was insisted upon by one
faction among the Christian Jews?
Acts 15:5.
7.
How did Peter defend the work
of Paul and Barnabas, and upon the
basis of what experience? Acts 15:
7, 8.
8.
How does the gospel affect the
relationship and standing of Christian
Jews and Gentiles? Acts 15:9.
NOTE.—"Peter
told of his astonishment
when, in speaking the words of truth to
those assembled at the home of Cornelius,
he witnessed the Holy Spirit taking posses-
sion of his hearers, Gentiles as well as Jews.
The same light and glory that was reflected
upon the circumcised Jews shone also upon
the faces of the uncircumcised Gentiles.
This was God's warning that Peter was
not to regard one as inferior to the other;
for the blood of Christ could cleanse from
all uncleanness."—E. G. White,
The Acts of
the Apostles,
page 193.
9.
What reasonable appeal did Pe-
ter then make? Acts 15:10. Compare
Gal. 5:1-4.
10.
How only are sinners saved?
Acts 15:11. Compare Acts 4:12; Eph.
2:5, 8; Gal. 2:16; Rom. 3:26-28.
NOTE.—"The
conversion of the human
soul is of no little consequence. It is the
greatest miracle performed by divine power.
Actual results are to be reached through a
belief in Christ as a personal Saviour. Puri-
fied by obedience to the law of God, sancti-
fied by a perfect observance of His holy
Sabbath, trusting, believing, patiently wait-
ing, and earnestly working out our own sal-
vation with fear and trembling, we shall
learn that it is God that worketh in us to
will and to do of His good pleasure."—E. G.
White,
Evangelism,
pages 289, 290.
Minimum Requirements Defined
11.
What was the decision of the
council? Acts 15:24, 20, 29.
Nora.—(1) Foods offered to idols were
deemed polluted, even if bought in the ba-
zaars. Compare 1 Cor. 10:19-21.
(2)
For-
nication was a very common sin among
the heathen of that time; some classical
writers insisted that fornication is not a sin.
(3) Things strangled, because the Hebrew
law required that the blood be thoroughly
drained from any living creature that was
to be eaten. (4) Blood, for it was not to be
used (Gen. 9:4; Lev. 3:17, etc.) ; "the life
of the flesh is in the blood" (Lev. 17:11).
Blood dishes were a favorite food among
the pagans.
[ 12 ]
12.
What divine Personality had
directed this council's decision? Acts
15:28.
13.
What cheering words were sent
from the council to the Gentile Chris-
tian churches? Acts 15:22, 23, 27.
14.
What was the effect of the de-
cree upon the Gentile Christians? Acts
15:31.
NorE.-"The broad and far-reaching de-
cisions of the general council brought con-
fidence into the ranks of the Gentile be-
lievers, and the cause of God prospered."-
E. G.
White, The Acts of the Apostles,
page
197.
Lesson 4, for July 27, 1957
Paul's Second Missionary Journey
LESSON SCRIPTURE:
Acts 15:36 to
16:40.
MEMORY VERSE:
"Sirs, what must I do to be saved? And they said, Believe on the
Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved, and thy house." Acts 16:30, 31.
STUDY HELPS:
E.
G. White, "The Acts of the Apostles," pages 201-220; "Early
Writings," pages 203-205; Lesson Help in "Review and Herald" of July 11;
"The Seventh-day Adventist Bible Commentary," Acts, chapters 15, 16.
DAILY STUDY ASSIGNMENT AND RECORD
Check Here
Check Here
Sabbath afternoon: General survey.
❑
Wednesday: Questions 12-15.
❑
Sunday: Questions 1-3.
❑
Thursday: Read from the Study
Monday: Questions 4-9.
❑
Helps.
❑
Tuesday: Questions
10, 11.
❑
Friday: Review entire lesson.
❑
PURPOSE OF THE LESSON:
To see how the gospel triumphs in spite of dissension,
ridicule, and even the imprisonment of its ministers.
Lesson Outline:
The Setting of the Lesson
I. Division Among the Missionaries
1.
Another missionary journey
proposed. Acts 15:36.
2.
Paul and Barnabas separate. Acts
15:37-39, first part.
3.
Two missionary parties formed.
Acts 15:39-41.
II. A Journey Into New Regions
4. An addition to Paul's party.
Acts 16:1-3.
5.
Ministry to the churches. Acts
15:41, last part; 16:4, 5.
6.
Asia and Bithynia closed to Paul.
Acts 16:6, 7.
7.
Same territory open to Peter.
1 Peter 1:1.
8.
Another addition to Paul's party.
Acts 16:8, 10.
9.
The Macedonian call. Acts 16:9-11.
III. The Gospel to Philippi
10.
A Sabbath at Philippi. Acts
16:12-15.
11.
Interference with the gospel.
Acts 16:16-18.
13
IV. In Prison and Out
14. The jailer and his household.
12.
Accusations
against the mission-
Acts 16:29-34.
aries. Acts 16:19-24.
15. The release of the missionaries.
13.
Divine intervention. Acts 16:25-28.
Acts 16:35-40.
The Setting of the Lesson
THE LESSON
tion" to arise between the brethren?
Acts 15:37-39, first part.
Introduction:
Paul did not meet opposi-
tion in retracing his steps over the ground
of the first journey. But the restraint of the
Holy Spirit, keeping him from entering
the provinces of Asia and Bithynia, brought
some perplexity. The Macedonian call,
however, offered new fields in Europe. Im-
prisonment, scourging, and an earthquake
gave the setting for the founding of a new
church in Philippi. This was the first
church to be established in Europe, except
for places like Rome, where the church
was
evidently started by converted Jews re-
turning from the Pentecostal experience in
Jerusalem. Acts 2:10.
Places:
Antioch in Syria; Cyprus; Cili-
cia ; Lystra; Iconium ; Troas, Neapolis;
Philippi.
Persons:
Paul; Silas; Barnabas; John
Mark; Judas Barsabas; Timothy, and Eu-
nice his mother; Luke, the Gentile, and
Paul's "beloved physician" (Col. 4:14), and
author of the book of Acts, personally pres-
ent in the story wherever the pronoun "we"
is used; Lydia of Thyatira ; a girl with an
evil spirit; her exploiters; a jailer; the prison
guards; the city police; the magistrates.
Interesting Terms:
"Market place." The
forum, or town square, where the magis-
trates sat to hear the people's pleas.
"Stocks." An instrument for locking the
hands and feet of prisoners into recesses be-
tween heavy beams.
"Sergeants." The "rod bearers" or lictors,
to be seen in every Roman town and
colony. They were chief police officers.
Division Among the Missionaries
1. What suggestion was made by
Paul to Barnabas in Antioch? Acts
15:36.
3.
How were the missionary forces
divided, and in what directions did
the gospel teams go? Acts 15:39-41.
A Journey Into New Regions
4.
Who joined Paul at Lystra?
What rite was administered and why?
Acts 16:1-3.
Nora.—Timothy's
mixed parentage led
Paul to take the step indicated in Acts 16:3.
To the Jews, Timothy was a Gentile; to the
Gentiles he
was
regarded as practically a
Jew because he was brought up in his
mother's religion. Paul carefully regular-
ized Timothy's standing, and thus avoided
prejudice and hindrance to God's work.
Timothy became a very successful min-
ister. He was with Paul throughout the
second missionary journey, and also at
Rome during Paul's first imprisonment
there, when Paul wrote the epistles to the
Philippians and Colossians. Phil. 1:1; Col.
1:1. Timothy was overseer of the impor-
tant church of Ephesus when Paul addressed
to him from Rome, during his second im-
prisonment, the First and Second Epistles
to Timothy. Paul refers to an arrest and
release of Timothy in Hebrews 13:23.
5.
How did Paul and his associates
minister to the churches? Acts 15:41,
last part; 16:4, 5.
6. Into what regions was Paul for-
bidden to enter, and by whom? Acts
2. What caused a sharp "conten- 16:6, 7.
19 )
7.
Who preached in these very re-
gions closed to Paul? 1 Peter 1:1.
Compare Rom. 15:20.
NOTE.—It is possible that when Paul was
on the borders of Asia and Bithynia, Peter
was approaching or entering the same
regions. Paul was doing pioneer work, not
laboring where others were assigned. Cer-
tainly the Holy Spirit, for His own good
reasons, wished Paul to move on promptly
to Macedonia.
8.
Who joined the missionary com-
pany at Troas? Acts 16:8, 10.
NOTE.—Troas was a busy seaport on the
Aegean Sea, near the ancient Troy of Ho-
mer's epic poems. It was from here that
Paul launched his bold, Spirit-led attack
upon the heathenism of the Europe of his
day.
Luke became a fourth member in the
party, joining Paul, and Silas, and Timothy.
"That new companion, 'Luke the beloved
Physician,' who, whether by prearrange-
ment, or by a providential meeting, . . .
now joined the mission, of which he after-
wards wrote the history."—W. J. Cony-
beare and J. S. Howson,
The Life and
Epistles of St. Paul, vol. 1,
p. 284. From
here on, wherever the pronoun "we" is
used, the reader of Luke's record may know
that the author of Acts is with Paul.
9.
What striking challenge now
came to Paul, and how did he act
upon it? Acts 16:9-11.
The Gospel to Philippi
10.
In what city of Europe did Paul
first preach? How did he observe Sab-
bath there? Acts 16:12
,
15.
NoTE.—"Whatever the relative propor-
tion of Greeks and Romans at Philippi may
have been, the number of Jews was small.
WE CAN WIN SOULS FOR CHRIST IN
UNEXPECTED WAYS AND STRANGE PLASS,
This is sufficiently accounted for, when we
remember that it was a military, and not a
mercantile, city. There was no synagogue
in Philippi, but only one of those buildings
called
Proseuchae
[places of prayer], which
were distinguished from the regular places
of Jewish worship by being of a more
slight and temporary structure, and fre-
quently open to the sky. For the sake of
greater quietness, and freedom from inter-
ruption, this place of prayer was 'outside
the gate.'"—W. J. Conybeare and J. S.
Howson,
The Life and Epistles of St. Paul,
vol. 1,
pp. 294, 295.
11.
What annoyance arose that be-
came the occasion for a manifestation
of the power of the gospel? Acts 16:
16-18.
In Prison and Out
12.
What accusations were made
against the apostles, and with what re-
sult? Acts 16:19-24.
13.
How did the apostles react to
their troubles? How did God inter-
vene? Acts 16:25-28.
15 ]
14. What blessed certainty did the
apostles bring to the terrified jailer,
and what then took place? Acts 16:
29-34.
NOTE.—The glorious fact of salvation by
grace through faith is nowhere in Scripture
more clearly and simply stated than in this
story of the conversion of the Philippian
jailer. The certainty of salvation as a gift
of God, unearned by man's own works,
can come to every believer as it came to
Paul himself. 1 Tim. 1:12.
"If you see your sinfulness, do not wait
to make yourself better. How many there
are who think they are not good enough
to come to Christ. Do you expect to be-
come better through your own efforts? 'Can
the Ethiopian change his skin, or the leop-
ard his spots? then may ye also do good,
that are accustomed to do evil.' There is
help for us only in God. We must not wait
for stronger persuasions, for better oppor-
tunities, or for holier tempers. We can do
nothing of ourselves. We must come to
Christ just as we are."—E. G. White,
Steps
to Christ,
pages 35, 36.
15. Under what striking circum-
stances were the apostles released
from prison? Acts 16:35-40.
NoTE.—"The apostles were Roman citi-
zens, and it was unlawful to scourge a Ro-
man, save for the most flagrant crime, or
to deprive him of his liberty without a fair
trial. Paul and Silas had been publicly im-
prisoned, and they now refused to be
privately released without the proper ex-
planation on the part of the magistrates."
—E. G. White,
The Acts of the Apostles,
page 217.
Lesson 5, for August 3, 1957
The Gospel in Macedonia and Greece
LESSON SCRIPTURE:
Acts 17.
MEMORY VERSE:
"These were more noble than those in Thessalonica, in that they
received the word with all readiness of mind, and searched the Scriptures
daily, whether those things were so." Acts 17:11.
STUDY HELPS: E.
G. White, "The Acts of the Apostles," pages 221-242, 255-268;
Lesson Help in "Review and Herald" of July 18; "The Seventh-day Adventist
Bible Commentary," Acts, chapter 17.
DAILY STUDY ASSIGNMENT AND RECORD
Check Here
Sabbath afternoon: General survey.
❑
Sunday: Questions 1-6.
❑
Monday: Questions 7, 8.
❑
Tuesday: Questions 9-11.
❑
Check Here
Wednesday: Questions 12-15.
Thursday: Read from the Study
Helps.
❑
Friday: Review entire lesson.
PURPOSE OF THE LESSON:
To observe how the gospel is presented successfully, in
the Spirit, to men and women of influence and learning.
[ 16 ]
Lesson Outline:
The Setting of the Lesson
I. Paul at Thessalonica
1.
Three Sabbaths in the synagogue.
Acts 17:1, 2.
2.
Weekday labors. 2 Thess. 3:8.
II. The Gospel to the Thessalonians
3.
Some Jews and influential Greeks
believe. Acts 17:4, 5.
4.
Jewish opposition brings persecu-
tion. Acts 17:5-7.
5.
The kingship of Jesus. Acts 17:7-9.
6.
The second advent taught in
Thessalonica. 1 Thess. 4:13-18;
2 Thess. 2:1-12.
III. The Work in Berea
7. The more noble Jews. Acts 17:10-12.
8. Opposition from Thessalonica.
Acts 17:13-15.
IV. Revelation Versus Philosophy at
Athens
9. Paul's distress of spirit. Acts
17:16-18, first part.
10. Questioned by the Athenians.
Acts 17:18-21.
11. The true God identified. Acts
17:23-25, 28, first part.
V. Man's Need of God
12. The oneness of the human race.
Acts 17:26, 28.
13. The basic falsity of heathenism.
Acts 17:29.
14. God's appeal to men. Acts 17:27,
30, 31.
15. The results in Athens. Acts 17:34.
THE LESSON
The Setting of the Lesson .
Introduction:
The impact of the gospel at
the hands of Paul and his helpers upon the
culture, the philosophy, and the cool indif-
ference and cynicism of old pagan Europe
must always be of deep interest. Paul was
led by the Holy Spirit to go into Mace-
donia. The group was well equipped for
the task: (1) they were Spirit-filled and
Spirit-empowered men; (2) they were all
either Roman citizens or by blood Gentile
or part Gentile; (3) they were equipped by
language to meet the people; (4) they rep-
resented an aggregate of years of experience
in the gospel, with Luke and Timothy full
of fresh enthusiasm. On this journey Paul
began to write his epistles, sending out
First and Second Thessalonians from Ath-
ens, about
A.D.
52.
Places:
Amphipolis and Apollonia,
through which Paul passed without stop-
ping; Thessalonica, important Macedonian
city on the north coast of the Aegean Sea,
now the busy city of Salonika; Berea; Ath-
ens, the ancient cultural capital of Western
civilization and thought, and now the po-
litical capital of the kingdom of Greece.
Persons:
Paul and Silas, missionaries and
Roman citizens; Timothy, half Jew and
half Greek, and zealous worker; Jason, a
Jewish convert, who stood security for
Paul; Paul's escort to Athens; city officials;
believing Jews; opposing Jews; Athenian
philosophers; the Athenian converts, Dio-
nysius, a member of high court of Athens,
and a woman, Damaris. Luke remains at
Philippi, and Silas and Timothy at Berea,
while Paul is at Athens.
Interesting Terms:
"Lewd fellows." lit-
erally, "loungers in the market place."
"Rulers." Literally, "city officials," but
the original is in a form used only in Thes-
salonica, illustrating Luke's remarkable ac-
curacy as a historian.
"Security." Jason and others were re-
quired to go on the bond of Paul and his
companions, to guarantee that they would
keep the peace, the charges against them
being very serious.
"Epicureans" and "Stoics." These rep-
resented schools of philosophy. See note to
question 10.
"Areopagus." Ares was the Greek god of
war, corresponding to the Roman Mars.
Hence the term appears also as Mars' Hill.
Acts 17:19, 22. It describes a rocky hill
directly adjoining the Acropolis or citadel
of Athens, upon which met the highest
court of the Athenian government.
[17
1
Paul at Thessalonica
1.
What custom did Paul follow at
Thessalonica? Acts 17:1, 2.
2.
How did Paul spend many of the
weekdays? 2 Thess. 3:8.
NOTE.—Paul sometimes labored with his
hands to pay expenses in several cities
where he preached: here at Thessalonica;
at Corinth, Acts 18:1-3 ; at Ephesus, Acts
20:33, 34.
The Gospel to the Thessalonians
3.
What classes of persons be-
lieved? Acts 17:4, 5.
4.
What charge did unbelieving
Jews bring against the believers?
Acts 17:5-7.
5.
Why was the charge concern-
ing Christian belief in the kingship of
Jesus so serious? Acts 17:7-9. Com-
pare John 18:36, 37 and Rev. 19:11,
15, 16.
NOTE.—The early Christians were fre-
quently in trouble, as some modern Chris-
tians have been, because they preached
Christ as the coming universal king. The
Roman emperors were rulers of the whole
world, and it was traitorous to talk of an-
other king who might rival their power.
The Jewish leaders at Christ's trial had
blasphemously declared, in their pretended
political loyalty, that they had no king but
Casear. John 19:12, 15.
"The charge brought against Paul was
subtly conceived and most dangerous. The
very suggestion of treason against the Em-
perors often proved fatal to the accused;
and it compelled the politarchs to take
steps, for, if they failed to do so, they be-
came exposed to a charge of treason, as
having taken too little care for the honour
of the Emperor. Many a man was ruined
by such a charge under the earlier Emper-
ors."—W. M. Ramsay,
St. Paul the Travel-
ler and the Roman Citizen,
pages 229, 230.
6. What vital theme was empha-
sized in proclaiming the gospel at
Thessalonica? 1 Thess. 4:13-18. Com-
pare 2 Thess. 2:1-12.
Nora.—The general theme running
through the Thessalonian letters is that of
the second advent of Christ. Paul empha-
sized:
(1)
The certainty of the second coming;
(2)
Salvation through Christ, to prepare
for the advent;
(3)
Orderly and industrious Christian
living on the part of those looking for their
Lord.
The Work in Berea
7. What attitude toward the Scrip-
tures distinguished the Jews in Berea?
What is said of those who accepted
the gospel there? Acts 17:10-12.
8. Why did Paul leave Berea? Acts
17:13-15.
NOTE.—As the Jews of Pisidian Antioch
and Iconium had followed the apostles to
stir up trouble at Lystra on an earlier mis-
sionary tour, so now the Jews of Thessa-
lonica sent a deputation to Berea, to repeat
a hostile course of action that had been
somewhat effective in Thessalonica.
Revelation Versus Philosophy
at Athens
9. What stirred Paul's spirit at
Athens? To whom did he address
himself? Acts 17:16-18, first part.
18 ]
NOTE.—"As Paul looked upon the beauty
and grandeur surrounding him, and saw
the city wholly given to idolatry, his spirit
was stirred with jealousy for God, whom
he saw dishonored on every side; and his
heart was drawn out in pity for the people
of Athens, who, notwithstanding their in-
tellectual culture, were ignorant of the true
God."—E. G. White,
The Acts of the Apos-
tles,
page 234.
10.
How was the thinking of the
Athenians indicated? Acts 17:18-21.
NOTE.—The Epicureans believed in the
"good life" as a pursuit of pleasure and per-
sonal happiness, often leading to self-indul-
gence and fleshly gratification. The Stoics
believed in the "good life" to be achieved
through doing one's duty. Some efficient
Roman emperors of the second century
were Stoics. Like many others, these philos-
ophers were always looking for "some new
thing," but never finding satisfaction.
11.
How did Paul identify the true
God to the philosophers? Acts 17:23-
25, 28, first part.
Man's Need of God
12.
How did the apostle express
the close kinship of all men and their
relationship to God? Acts 17:26, 28,
last part.
NOTE.—" 'The method of St. Paul's teach-
ing is one from which modern preachers
might well learn a lesson. He does not be-
gin by telling men that they have thought
too highly of themselves, that they are vile
worms, creatures of the dust, children of the
devil. The fault which he finds in them is
that they have taken too low an estimate of
their position. They too had forgotten that
they were God's offspring, and had counted
themselves, even as the unbelieving Jews
had done (ch. xiii. 46), "unworthy of eter-
nal life." ' The truth set before us in the
text is that of the fatherly relation of God
to all men, and the answering child-relation
NOBILITY OF CHARACTER CAN BE DE-
VELOPED TODAY, AS IN THE BEREANS,
AS GOD'S WORD PENETRATES THE LIFE. Zr.
of all men to God."—A. C. Hervey,
The
Pulpit Commentary,
The Acts of the Apos-
tles, vol. 2, p. 86.
13.
What did Paul point out as the
basic falsity of heathenism? Acts 17:
29. Compare Isa. 44:6-20.
NOTE.—"The second commandment for-
bids the worship of the true God by images
or similitudes. Many heathen nations
claimed that their images were mere fig-
ures or symbols by which the Deity was
worshiped; but God has declared such
worship to be sin. The attempt to represent
the Eternal One by material objects would
lower man's conception of God. The mind,
turned away from the infinite perfection of
Jehovah, would be attracted to the creature
rather than to the Creator. And as his
conceptions of God were lowered, so would
man become
degraded."—Patriarchs and
Prophets,
page 306.
14.
What appeal does God make to
all men? What impending event
makes this divine invitation urgent?
Acts 17:27, 30, 31.
15.
What were the direct results of.
Paul's preaching in Athens? Acts 17:
34. Compare 1. Cor. 1:20-30.
[ 19 -]
NOTE.—"The labors of Paul in Athens
were not wholly in vain. Dionysius, one of
the most prominent citizens, and some oth-
ers, became converts to Christianity, and
joined themselves to him. The words of
the apostle, and the description of his at-
titude and surroundings, as traced by the
pen of inspiration, were to be handed down
through all coming generations, bearing
witness of his unshaken confidence, his
courage in loneliness and adversity, and the
victory he gained for Christianity, even in
the very heart of paganism. . . .
"The words of Paul become a memorial
of the occasion, and give a treasure of
knowledge to the church. He was in a po-
sition where he might easily have spoken
that which would irritate his proud listen-
ers, and bring himself into difficulty. Had
his oration been a direct attack upon their
gods, and the great men of the city who
were before him, he would have been in
danger of meeting the fate of Socrates. But
he carefully drew their minds away from
heathen deities, by revealing to them the
true God, whom they were endeavoring to
worship, but who was to them unknown,
as they themselves confessed by a public
inscription."—E. G. White,
Sketches From
the Life of Paul,
pages 96, 97.
Lesson 6, for August 10, 1957
The Gospel in Corinth; Beginnings in Ephesus
LESSON SCRIPTURE:
Acts 18:1 to 19:7.
MEMORY VERSE:
"For I determined not to know anything among you, save Jesus
Christ, and Him crucified." 1 Cor. 2:2.
STUDY HELPS: E.
G. White, "The Acts of the Apostles," pages 243-254, 269-290;
Lesson Help in "Review and Herald" of July 25; "The Seventh-day Adventist
Bible Commentary," Acts, chapters 18, 19.
DAILY STUDY ASSIGNMENT AND RECORD
Check Here
Check Here
Sabbath afternoon: General survey.
❑
Wednesday: Questions 11-14.
❑
Sunday: Questions 1-3.
❑
Thursday: Read from the Study
Monday: Questions 4-8.
❑
Helps.
0
Tuesday: Questions 9, 10.
❑
Friday: Review entire lesson.
0
PURPOSE OF THE LESSON:
To observe the results of Paul's wisdom, courage, and
industry in giving the gospel under adverse conditions and in the face of
severe opposition, and to show that similar results always follow when God's
people are filled with the grace of the Holy Spirit.
Lesson Outline:
The Setting of the Lesson
I. Paul's Labors at Corinth
1.
With fellow workers at Corinth,
Acts 18:1-3.
2.
A tentmaker and preacher. Preach-
ing and teaching. Acts 18:4, 11.
II. Opposition and Assurance
3.
Expelled from the synagogue.
Acts 18:5-7.
4.
Success in the gospel. Acts 18:8.
5.
A vision of the Lord. Acts 18:9, 10.
( 20 ]
6.
Brought before the governor.
Acts 18:12, 13.
7.
A wise decision. Acts 18:14-17.
Ill. The Close of the Second Journey
8.
Paul's vow. Acts 18:18, 21.
9.
The journey to Jerusalem. Acts
18:19-22.
IV. The Third Journey Begun
10.
In Galatia and Phrygia. Acts
18:23.
11.
Apollos at Ephesus. Acts 18:24-26.
12.
Apollos at Corinth. Acts 18:27, 28.
13.
Twelve men instructed. Acts
19:1-3, 7.
14.
A rebaptismal service. Acts 19:4-7.
THE LESSON
The Setting of the Lesson
Introduction:
The city of Corinth had re-
covered fully from its destruction by the
Romans in 142 B.c., and was now a busy
and wealthy seaport. Its sinfulness was
commonly known as "Corinthianism." Dur-
ing Paul's eighteen months of ministry
there he worked at his trade of tentmaking,
and preached on the Sabbaths. A vision of
God encouraged him to continue, even in
the face of bitter opposition. Here Paul
wrote his Epistle to the Romans. At the
conclusion of his work he went to Cen-
chrea, visiting Jerusalem and Antioch, from
which place Paul set out on his third mis-
sionary journey, spending a long time at
Ephesus.
Places:
Corinth, the important seaport
of southern Greece, Cenchrea, on the east-
ern side of the Corinthian peninsula; Ephe-
sus; Caesarea; Jerusalem; Antioch in Syria;
Galatia and Phrygia.
Persons:
Paul, Aquila and Priscilla, Jew-
ish tentmakers from Rome with whom Paul
lived; Silas and Timothy arriving from
Berea; Justin, a proselyte converted to
Christianity, in whose house the infant
church worshiped; Crispus, a president of
the Jewish synagogue, a convert and one of
the few men Paul baptized (1 Cor. 1:14) ;
Gallio, the proconsul, a brother of Seneca,
a Roman philosopher and minister of the
emperor Nero; opposing Jews; one Sosthe-
nes, a president of the Jewish synagogue;
believers; Apollos of Alexandria, a disciple
of John the Baptist; twelve men, also disci-
ples of John the Baptist.
Interesting Terms:
"Tentmakers." Aquila,
Priscilla, and Paul were either tentmakers,
or weavers of the cloth from which tents
and sails were made. This cloth was of
goat's hair, black in color, very tough and
sturdy, and was named, after Paul's home
province,
cilicium.
"Vow." The vow Paul made at Cenchrea
was probably the temporary vow of the
Nazarite (Num. 6:1-21), perhaps in grati-
tude for God's deliverance from repeated
dangers.
Paul's Labors at Corinth
1.
Whom did Paul closely associate
with himself at Corinth? What basis
did this fellowship have? Acts 18:1-3.
NOTE.—Paul arrived at Corinth in the
autumn of A.D. 52 and found Aquila and
Priscilla very recently arrived there, they
having been expelled from Rome with other
Jews by the emperor Claudius in the spring
of that year. They went with Paul to Ephe-
sus when he left Corinth (Acts 18:18, 19),
and remained there. Later they are men-
tioned as being in Rome again. Rom. 16:3.
2.
How did Paul occupy the Sab-
bath? How long did he labor in Cor-
inth? Acts 18:4, 11.
NOTE.—"He [Paul] brought his hearers
down through the types and shadows of the
ceremonial law to Christ,—to His cruci-
fixion, His priesthood, and the sanctuary of
His ministry,—the great object that had
cast its shadow backward into the Jewish
age. He, as the Messiah, was the Antitype
of all the sacrificial offerings. The apostle
showed that according to the prophecies
and the universal expectation of the Jews,
the Messiah would be of the lineage of
Abraham and David. He then traced His
descent from the great patriarch Abraham,
[ 21 ]
"I DETERMINED
DETERMINED NOT
TO KNOW ANYTHING
AMONG YOU, SAVE
JESUS CHRIST,
AND HIM CRUCIFIED." ,
C
through the royal psalmist. He proved
from Scripture what were to have been the
character and works of the promised Mes-
siah, and also His reception and treatment
on earth, as testified by the holy prophets.
He then showed that these predictions also
had been fulfilled in the life, ministry, and
death of Jesus, and hence that He was in-
deed the world's Redeemer."—E. G. White,
Sketches From the Life of Paul,
pages 103,
104.
Opposition and Assurance
3.
Why was Paul prevented from
preaching in the synagogue? Acts
18:5-7.
4.
Who are mentioned as having
accepted the gospel? Acts 18:8.
5.
How did assurance of divine
help come to Paul, and what was
promised? Acts 18:9, 10.
NoTE.—God had repeated communica-
tions with Paul. (1) At his conversion near
Damascus, Acts 9:3-7; 22:6-11; 26:13-19;
(2) In Arabia, Gal. 1:17;
The Acts of the
Apostles,
pages 125, 126; (3) In the temple
in Jerusalem, Acts 22:17-21; (4) At Cor-
inth, Acts 18:9, 10;
(5)
In a vision of Para-
dise, 2 Cor. 12:1-5; (6) In the tower of
Antonias in Jerusalem, Acts 23:11. There
was also at least one angel visitation during
Paul's first sea voyage to Rome. Acts
27:
23, 24.
6.
What charges against Paul were
brought before the governor? Acts
18:12, 13.
7.
How did Gallio handle the case,
and with what result? Acts 18:14-17.
NOTE.—"The
proconsul, disgusted with
the bigotry and self-righteousness of the
accusing Jews, refused to take notice of the
charge. As Paul prepared to speak in self-
defense, Gallio informed him that it was
not necessary."—E. G. White,
Sketches
From the Life of Paul,
page 107. '
The Close of the Second Journey
8.
What commitment did Paul
make in Cenchrea? Acts 18:18, 21.
9.
What places did Paul visit on
his way to Jerusalem? Acts 18:19-22.
NoTE.—The expression "gone up" in
verse 22 refers to the ascent from Caesarea
to Jerusalem.
The Third Journey Begun
10.
At the beginning of Paul's
third missionary tour where did he
first go? Acts 18:23.
NoTE.—At the beginning of his second
(Acts 16:1) and third (Acts 18:23) mis-
sionary journeys, Paul retraced the steps
of his first journey (Acts 14:1, 6, 21), but
22 ]
each time he went farther into new terri-
tory.
11.
In the meantime what able man
had appeared at Ephesus? Who
brought to him a full knowledge of
the gospel? Acts 18:24-26.
NoTE.—Nothing is known of Apollos ex-
cept the notation concerning him here, and
the references in 1 Corinthians 3:4-6 and 4:
6, 7. He was evidently a successful worker
for Christ. There is no reason to suppose
there was any personal friction between
Paul and Apollos.
12.
What is said of the ministry of
Apollos in Corinth? Acts 18:27, 28.
13.
What did Paul learn concern-
ing the religious life of certain disci-
ples at Ephesus? Acts 19:1-3, 7.
14.
Into what blessed experience
did Paul lead them? Acts 19:4-7.
NoTE.—"When they received baptism at
the hand of John, they did not fully com-
prehend the mission of Jesus as the Sin
Bearer. They were holding serious errors.
But with clearer light, they gladly accepted
Christ as their Redeemer, and with this
step of advance came a change in their ob-
ligations. As they received a purer faith,
there was a corresponding change in their
life. In token of this change, and as an
acknowledgment of their faith in Christ,
they were rebaptized in the name of Jesus."
--E. G. White,
The Acts of the Apostles,
page 285.
Lesson 7, for August 17, 1957
Paul's Three Years at Ephesus
LESSON SCRIPTURE:
Acts
19:8 to 20:5.
MEMORY VERSE:
"For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of your-
selves: it is the gift of God: not of works, lest any man should boast." Eph.
2:8, 9.
STUDY HELPS: E.
G. White, "The Acts of the Apostles," pages
285-297; 359-371;
Lesson Help in "Review and Herald" of July 25; "The Seventh-day Adventist
Bible Commentary," Acts, chapter 19.
DAILY STUDY ASSIGNMENT AND RECORD
Check Here
Sabbath afternoon: General survey.
❑
Sunday: Questions 1-4.
❑
Monday: Questions 5-9.
❑
Tuesday: Questions 10-12.
❑
Check Here
Wednesday: Questions 13, 14.
❑
Thursday: Read from the Study
Helps.
Friday: Review entire lesson.
PURPOSE OF THE LESSON: To
show the triumph of the gospel over the rulers of the
-darkness of this world, and against spiritual wickedness in high places.
L
23
]
Lesson Outline:
The Setting of the Lesson
I. From Synagogue to Public Hall
1.
A long sojourn. Acts 19:8, 10, 22.
2.
Preaching the way of the kingdom.
Acts 19:8, 9.
3.
The province of Asia evangelized.
Acts 19:10.
4.
Paul earned his expenses. Acts
20:34.
II. Victory Over Magicians and
Sorcerers
5.
Miracles of healing. Acts 9:11, 12.
6.
Blasphemous demonstrations
overcome. Acts 19:13-17, first
part.
7.
Evildoers conquered. Acts 19:17, 18.
8.
The burning of the books. Acts
19:19, 20.
9.
Paul's further journeyings. Acts
19:21, 22.
10.
The declining worship of Diana.
Acts 19:26, 27.
III. The Riot in Ephesus
11.
The protest of the silversmiths.
Acts 19:23-25, 28.
12.
The outbreak in the theater.
Acts 19:29-34.
13.
The city recorder addresses the
people. Acts 19:35-41.
14.
Paul's further work. Acts 20:1-5.
THE LESSON
The Setting of the Lesson
Introduction:
"One of the two character-
istics of the people of Ephesus comes prom-
inently into view. This city was renowned
throughout the world for the worship of
Diana, and the practice of magic. . . . The
enemy which St. Paul had to oppose was
not a vaunting philosophy, as at Corinth,
but a dark . . . superstition. The worship
of Diana and the practice of magic were
closely connected together.. .
"We are not to suppose that the Apostles
were always able to work miracles at will.
An influx of supernatural power was given
to them, at the time, and according to the
circumstances that required it. And the
character of the miracles was not always
the same. They were accommodated to the
peculiar forms of sin, superstition, and ig-
norance they were required to oppose."-
W. J. Conybeare and J. S. Howson,
The
Life and Epistles of St. Paul, vol.
2, pp.
21, 22.
Places:
Ephesus; Macedonia; Greece;
Troas.
Persons:
Paul, Timothy, and Erastus;
Gaius and Aristarchus; Sopater of Berea;
Secundus of Thessalonica ; Trophimus;
Luke; repentant workers of magic; chief
men of Asia; the city recorder in Ephesus;
Alexander, a Jew; Jewish exorcists; sons of
Sceva ; Demetrius, a silversmith.
Interesting Terms:
"Exorcists." Men who
claim to have power over evil spirits.
"Curious arts." The practice of men
who claimed to use magic and incantations.
"Diana." The goddess Artemis (Roman
name, Diana) was usually pictured as a
graceful goddess. "The image may have
been intended to represent Diana in one of
her customary characters, as the deity of
fountains; but it reminds us rather . . . of
the religions which love to represent the
life of all animated beings as fed and sup-
ported by the many breasts of nature. The
figure which assumed this emblematic form
above was terminated below in a shapeless
block. The material was wood. A bar of
metal was in each hand. The dress was
covered with mystic devices, and the small
shrine, where it stood within the temple,
was concealed by a curtain in front. Yet,
rude as the image was, it was the object of
the utmost veneration."-W. J. Conybeare
and J. S. Howson,
The Life and Epistles
of St. Paul,
vol. 2, p. 77.
"Town clerk." The secretary or recorder
in the city of Ephesus.
From Synagogue to Public Hall
1. On this tour how long was Paul
in Ephesus? Acts 19:8, 10, 22.
NOTE.-There are various periods of time
indicated for Paul's stay at Ephesus: (1)
the time spent with the twelve men when
[ 24 ]
Paul first came, Acts 19:1-5; (2) three
months in the synagogue, Acts 19:8; (3)
two years in the school of Tyrannus, Acts
19:10; (4) a "season" in Asia, Acts 19:22;
(5) the time consumed in the trouble with
the silversmiths, Acts 19:23-41. The total
could not have been less than three years.
2.
What great truths did Paul em-
phasize in his preaching, and what
opposition arose? Acts 19:8, 9.
NOTE.—The kingdom of God is men-
tioned as Paul's theme, along with the
"Way" to the kingdom. This is a reminder
of the Jews' challenge to Paul for his
teaching that Christ is king, Acts 17:6-8, in
Thessalonica, where Paul stressed the sec-
ond coming of Christ.
3.
How extensively was the gospel
proclaimed in Asia? Acts 19:10.
NOTE.—Ephesus was the capital city of
the Roman province of Asia, which occu-
pied an important and prosperous area in
the western third of what is now Turkey.
The gospel was preached not only in Ephe-
sus, but throughout its large and prosperous
province.
4.
In his ministry at Ephesus, how
was Paul supported? Acts 20:34.
Victory Over Magicians
and Sorcerers
5.
What miracles were wrought at
Paul's hands in Ephesus? Acts 19:
11, 12.
NorE.—The Revised Standard Version
renders these verses in this way: "And God
did extraordinary miracles by the hands of
Paul, so that handkerchiefs or aprons were
carried away from his body to the sick, and
diseases left them and the evil spirits came
out of them."
On these mighty works of divine power
compare Mark 5:27; 6:56; Acts 5:15.
6.
What blasphemous use was made
of Jesus' name, and with what re-
sults? Acts 19:13-17, first part.
NoTE.—"Thus unmistakable proof was
given of the sacredness of the name of
Christ, and the peril which they incurred
who should invoke it without faith in the
divinity of the Saviour's mission. 'Fear fell
on them all, and the name of the Lord Jesus
was magnified.' "—E. G. White,
The Acts
of the Apostles,
page 288.
7.
What spiritual results were at-
tained in Ephesus? Acts 19:17, 18.
NoTE.—Confession is a vitally important
step in the remission of sins. "True con-
fession is always of a specific character, and
acknowledges particular sins."—E. G. White,
Steps to Christ,
page 43. See pages 42-46.
See 1 John 1:9.
8.
What did the new believers do
with their books? Acts 19:19, 20.
NOTE.—"Facts which had previously
been concealed were now brought to light.
[ 26 ]
In accepting Christianity, some of the
brethren had not fully renounced their
heathen superstitions. The practice of
magic was still to some extent continued
among them. Convinced of their error by
the events which had recently occurred,
they came and made a full confession to
Paul, and publicly acknowledged their se-
cret arts to be deceptive and satanic. Many
sorcerers also abjured the practice of magic,
and received Christ as their Saviour. They
brought together the costly books contain-
ing the mysterious `Ephesian letters,' and
the secrets of their art, and burned them
in the presence of all the people. When the
books had been consumed, they proceeded
to reckon up the value of the sacrifice. It
was estimated at fifty thousand pieces of
silver, equal to about ten thousand dollars."
—E. G. White,
Sketches From the Life of
Paul,
page 137. The purchaSing value in to-
day's terms might well be ten times the
sum mentioned.
9.
What plans did Paul form con-
cerning his future itinerary? Acts 19:
21, 22. Compare Rom. 15:24, 28; Acts
23:11; 27:24.
10.
How was the preaching of the
gospel affecting pagan worship? Acts
19:26, 27.
The Riot in Ephesus
11.
What protest was lodged by
certain craftsmen of Ephesus, and
why? Acts 19:23-25, 28.
NoTE.—As at Philippi, when the gospel
was applied to receptive hearts with result-
ing changes in life, business losses activated
serious opposition.
12.
What resulted from the
speeches of the silversmiths? Acts 19:
29-34.
13.
What steps were taken to quell
the tumult? Acts 19:35-41.
14.
In what manner did Paul bid
farewell to the believers before setting
off on another circuitous journey?
Acts
20:1-5.
NOTE.—"Paul's labors in Ephesus were
concluded. His ministry there had been a
season of incessant labor, of many trials,
and of deep anguish. He had taught the
people in public and from house to house,
with many tears instructing and warning
them. Continually he had been opposed by
the Jews, who lost no opportunity to stir
up the popular feeling against him.
"And while thus battling against opposi-
tion, pushing forward with untiring zeal
the gospel work, and guarding the interests
of a church yet young in the faith, Paul was
bearing upon his soul a heavy burden for
all the churches."—E. G. White,
The Acts
of the Apostles,
page 296.
Lesson 8, for August 24, 1957
Paul's Journey to Jerusalem
LESSON SCRIPTURE:
Acts 20:6 to
2 1 : 1 6.
MEMORY VERSE:
"And now, brethren, I commend you to God, and to the word of
His grace, which is able to build you up, and to give you an inheritance among
all them which are sanctified." Acts 20:32.
[ 26 ]
STUDY HELPS:
E. G. White, "The Acts of the Apostles," pages 389-398; Lesson Help
in "Review and Herald" of August 8
;
"The Seventh-day Adventist Bible Com-
mentary," Acts, chapters 20, 21.
DAILY STUDY ASSIGNMENT AND RECORD
Check Here
Check Here
Sabbath afternoon: General survey.
❑
Wednesday: Questions 10-13.
❑
Sunday: Questions 1, 2.
0
Thursday: Read from the Study
Monday: Questions 3-5.
❑
Helps.
❑
Tuesday: Questions 6-9.
0
Friday: Review entire lesson.
PURPOSE OF THE LESSON:
This lesson is intended to show Paul's earnestness in
preaching the gospel, and the responsibility resting upon church officers, par-
ticularly in the face of apostasy.
Lesson Outline:
The Setting of the Lesson
I. The Meeting at Troas
1.
Paul's departure from Europe.
Acts 20:6.
2.
A
Saturday night assembly. Acts
20:7, 8, 11.
II. The Journey Resumed
3.
A young man restored. Acts 20:
9-12.
4.
Paul's departure by land. Acts
20:11, 13.
5.
Arrival at Miletus. Acts 20:14, 15.
III. With the Ephesian Elders
6. The need for haste. Acts 20:16.
7.
The gathering of the elders. Acts
20:17.
8.
Paul's hardships at Ephesus. Acts
20:18, 19; 1 Cor. 15:32.
9.
Paul's methods in the gospel.
Acts 20:20, 21, 25.
IV. Farewell Admonitions
10.
Afflictions awaiting Paul. Acts
20:22-24; 21:10-14.
11.
Warnings to the church. Acts
20:28-31.
12.
Paul's farewell testimony. Acts •
20:32, 35.
13.
From Ephesus to Jerusalem.
Acts 21:7-9.
THE LESSON
The Setting of the Lesson
Introduction:
Paul left Philippi after
observing the Feast of Unleavened Bread.
At Troas he spent seven days and on the
last day of his stay had an informal farewell
meeting. It was evidently Saturday night,
the dark part of "the first day of the week."
Next day Paul went on foot to Assos, where
he joined his companions in a ship. At
Miletus Paul had a farewell meeting with
the' elders of Ephesus, warning them of
threatening dangers, and then proceeding
to Caesarea, where he was warned of dan-
gers threatening him.
Places:
Philippi in Macedonia, Europe;
Troas in Asia (modern Turkey) ; Assos;
Miletus; the Aegean Islands; Tyre; Ptole-
mais; Caesarea.
Persons:
Paul; Sopater ; Aristarchus; Se-
cundus ; Gaius; Timothy; Tychicus; Tro-
phimus; Luke; the believers met en route;
Eutychus; the elders of Ephesus; Philip
the deacon-evangelist; Agabus the prophet.
Interesting Terms:
"The days of un-
leavened bread." This was the first of the
annual festivals of the Hebrew religious
year. It lasted from the fifteenth day to
the twenty-first day of the first month,
called Abib or Nisan. The first and last
27
days of the feast were sabbath days, cele-
brated annually, regardless of the day of
the week upon which they might fall in
the rotation of the calendar. The Passover
lamb was slain on the fourteenth, just be-
fore sunset, and eaten the night which im-
mediately followed, which was the dark
part of the fifteenth. The typical signifi-
cance of the annual Hebrew feasts ceased
in succession as the plan of salvation un-
folded in history. The necessity of celebrat-
ing the feasts ceased at the cross. Col. 2:
14-16. Paul kept the Feast of Unleavened
Bread with the beloved Philippian believ-
ers. See E. G. White,
The Acts of the
Apostles,
page 390.
"To break bread." In connection with
the meeting at Troas, this term was applied
to the celebration of the Lord's Supper. See
Ibid.,
p. 391.
"Elders," or "presbyters." In New Testa-
ment times, these were the same officers as
the bishops or overseers. See Acts 20:17,
28; Phil. 1:1; Titus 1:5-7. They were the
leading elected officers in the New Testa-
ment congregations, corresponding to the
presidents in the Jewish synagogues.
"Carriages." An old English expression
for "baggage."
The Meeting at Troas
1.
At what season did Paul leave
Philippi? How long did he remain
at Troas? Acts 20:6.
2.
On which day, and at what time,
did Paul hold his farewell service and
breaking of bread? Acts 20:7, 8, 11.
NoTE.—Paul preached until midnight at
this informal farewell service, and after
midnight had the breaking of bread. He
then preached until his departure at dawn.
Verses 7, 11. Responsible Bible students
who observe Sunday recognize that this
informal meeting began when the lights
were on, hence, from the evidence, Saturday
night.
"On the Sunday morning the vessel was
about to sail. The Christians of Troas were
gathered together at this solemn time to
PAUL LABORED TIRELESSLY. HE
FOLLOWED
HIS LORD IN PERSONAL
EVANGELISM.
sps/-8
celebrate that feast of love which the last
commandment of Christ has enjoined on all
His followers."—W. J. Conybeare and J.
S. Howson,
The Life and Epistles of St.
Paul, vol.
2, p. 206.
"The meeting was held on what we
should call Saturday evening; but we
must remember that the Jewish first day
began from sundown on Saturday or the
Sabbath."—G. T. Stokes,
The Expositor's
Bible
series, Acts, vol. 2, p. 393.
"Apparently they met on our Saturday
evening, so that the communion loaf was
broken before daylight on our Sunday
morning."—Stifler,
The Acts of the Apos-
tles,
page 201.
The record of this incident gives no
authority for the observance of Sunday,
and no precedent for religious services to
be held week after week on Sundays.
The Journey Resumed
3.
During this all-night meeting,
what tragedy occurred? By what means
was the young man restored? Acts
20:9-12.
NOTE.—"The youth was taken up dead,
and many gathered about him with cries
and mourning. But Paul, passing through
the affrighted company, clasped him in his
arms, and sent up an earnest prayer that
[ 28 ]
God would restore the dead to life. The
prayer was granted."—E. G. White,
Sketches
From the Life of Paul,
page 197.
4.
When did Paul leave Troas? To
what place did he go? Acts 20:11, 13.
NoTE.—Paul walked the twenty miles to
Assos, a full day's journey on foot, using
for it the daylight hours of that first day
of the week, or Sunday.
5.
To what town did the ship,
which Paul boarded at Assos, bring
him and his companions? Acts 20:
14, 15.
'
With the Ephesian Elders
6.
Why did Paul not visit Ephesus
at this time? Acts 20:16.
7.
Who came to meet with Paul at
Miletus? Acts 20:17.
NOTE.—There is no record of how many
elders served in the Ephesian congrega-
tions. There may have been upward of
a
dozen. They gladly traveled the necessary
distance to hear Paul's farewell admoni-
tions.
8.
What did Paul say regarding
the trials he endured during the so-
journ as a missionary at Ephesus?
Acts 20:18, 19; 1 Cor. 15:32.
NOTE.—The wild beasts were evidently
the maddened . men who had planned to
take Paul's life in the theater at Ephesus.
9.
What effective methods had Paul
used in giving the gospel? Acts 20:
20, 21, 25.
Nom—Paul, the tireless evangelist, un-
derstood the value of house-to-house labor.
While he conducted public meetings for the
crowds, he labored also in a personal way
for individuals, even as did his Lord. As a
faithful watchman he had warned all he
could reach, and was "pure from the blood
of all men." Acts 20:26. See Ezek. 33:3-6.
Farewell Admonitions
10.
What was Paul's attitude to-
ward the afflictions which awaited
him? Acts 20:22-24; 21:10-14.
11.
What dangers threatened the
church, and what were the church
elders to do in view of them? Acts 20:
28-31. Compare 2 Thess. 2:7-15; 1
Tim. 4:1-7; 2 Tim. 3:1-14; 4:3,.4.
NoTE.—The dangers of which Paul
warned were already present in the church,
and soon produced the evils of apostasy.
There followed the great apostasy of the
1260 years, so clearly described in Revela-
tion, chapters 17 and 18, and that parent
apostasy has produced many daughter apos-
tasies. In the face of these apostasies there
have been repeated attempts at reform, in-
cluding the Great Reformation of the six-
teenth century. The movement symbolized
by the three angels of Revelation, chapter
14, of which the Seventh-day Adventist
work is the organized expression, is God's
final endeavor to bring about an effective
revival and reformation before the second
advent of Christ. Those who know from
the Bible what this means in purity of liv-
ing and resolute evangelism in the face of
bitter opposition, dare not fail their Lord.
12.
Into what spiritual experiences
were the elders of Ephesus to lead
their people? Acts 20:32, 35.
13.
As he proceeded to Jerusalem,
with whom did Paul enjoy blessed
fellowship? Acts 21:7-9.
[ 29 ]
Lesson 9, for August 31, 1957
Paul's Imprisonment
LESSON SCRIPTURE:
Acts
21:17 to 23:35.
MEMORY VERSE:
"For He is our peace, who hath made both one, and hath broken
down the middle wall of partition between us." Eph.
2:14.
STUDY HELPS:
E. G. White, "The Acts of the Apostles," pages 399-418; Lesson Help
in "Review and Herald" of August 15; "The Seventh-day Adventist Bible Com-
mentary," Acts, chapters 21 to 23.
DAILY STUDY ASSIGNMENT AND RECORD
Check Here
Check Here
Sabbath afternoon: General survey.
E
Wednesday: Questions 11-13.
❑
Sunday: Questions 1-3.
❑
Thursday: Read from the Study
Monday: Questions 4-8.
❑
Helps.
❑
Tuesday: Questions 9, 10.
❑
Friday: Review entire lesson.
0
PURPOSE OF THE LESSON:
To show how serious are mistakes among the best of
men, and how God can use even opposers of His truth and His cause.
Lesson Outline:
The Setting of the Lesson
I. Interview With the Brethren
1.
Paul meets the brethren in Jerusa-
lem. Acts 21:17, 18.
2.
The proposal to Paul. Acts 21:
19-25.
3.
Paul's procedure. Acts 21:26, 27,
first part.
II. The Riot
4.
Jerusalem in an uproar. Acts 21:27,
last part, 28-31.
5.
The Romans intervene. Acts
21:32-36.
6. Paul identifies himself. Acts 21:39.
7. Paul addresses the Jews. Acts 21:
40 to 22:22.
8. A scourging averted. Acts 22:24.
III. Paul's Defense
9. Paul the Roman citizen. Acts
22:25-29.
10. The doctrine of the resurrection.
Acts 22:30 to 23:11.
IV. Removal to Caesarea
11. The Jewish plot. Acts 23:12-22.
12. Safety in a Caesarean prison. Acts
23:23-33, first part.
13. Interviews with Felix. Acts
23:33, last part, 34, 35.
THE LESSON
The Setting of the Lesson
Introduction:
At Jerusalem the church
leaders erred in persuading Paul to go
through a purification ceremony in the tem-
ple. He was set upon by Jews from Asia,
and a riot resulted, from which
Paul
was
rescued by Roman soldiers. When his life
was threatened, the commander had
Paul
removed to Caesarea, the Roman capital of
the province where Felix was governor.
Places:
Jerusalem; the temple and the
tower of Antonia adjoining it; Antipatris;
Caesarea and Herod's judgment hall there.
[ 30 ]
Persons:
Paul; Luke; James, the brother
of the Lord; Jewish Christians with a vow;
Trophimus; the Jewish multitude; Lysias,
the Roman commander of the garrison, and
his soldiers; Ananias, the Jewish high
priest; Sadducees and Pharisees; Paul's
nephew; Jewish plotters; Felix, the Roman
governor.
Interesting Terms:
"Chief captain of the
band." The original word means the com-
mander of a thousand men, the sixth part
of a legion, corresponding approximately in
rank to a major in a modern army.
"The castle." A stronghold adjoining
the temple, built by Herod the Great to
keep the restless Jews under guard, and
named in honor of Mark Antony.
"Murderers." The word in the original
means "dagger men," designating bands of
Jews who organized themselves into groups
pledged to assassination whenever they
thought this might help to break Roman
control of Palestine.
"Scourging." A brutal punishment com-
mon in the past, and used by the Romans
upon non-Roman culprits. The scourge
was a whip made of several leather thongs
attached to a wooden handle, with bits of
iron fastened in the thongs.
"Council." The Jewish Sanhedrin, or
senate, numbering approximately seventy
men, with the high priest presiding.
Interview With the Brethren
1.
To whom did Paul present him-
self at Jerusalem? Acts 21:17, 18.
2.
What did the brethren propose
to Paul, and why? Acts 21i19-25:
with Paul as the one who had, in a large
measure, caused this change. Even the
disciples were not all prepared to accept
willingly the decision of the council. Some
were zealous for the ceremonial law; and
they regarded Paul with disfavor, because
they thought that his principles in regard
to the obligations of the Jewish law were
lax."—E. G. White,
The Acts of the Apos-
tles,
page 197.
3.
How did Paul proceed in the
ritual of purification? Acts 21:26, 27,
first part.
NoTE.---"He felt that if he could by any
lawful concession on his part win them to
the truth, he would remove a very great
obstacle to the success of the gospel in
other places. But he was not authorized of
God to concede so much as they had asked.
This concession was not in harmony with
his teachings, nor with the firm integrity of
his character. His advisers were not infalli-
ble. Though some of these men wrote un-
der the inspiration of the Spirit of God, yet
when not under its direct influence they
sometimes erred. It will be remembered
that on one occasion Paul withstood Peter
to the face because he was acting a double
part. .
.
"Instead of accomplishing the desired
object, these efforts for conciliation only
precipitated the crisis, hastened the pre-
dicted sufferings of Paul, separated him
from his brethren in his labors, deprived
the church of one of its strongest pillars,
and brought sorrow to Christian hearts in
every land."—E. G. White,
Sketches From
the Life of Paul,
pages
213,
214.
The Riot
NOTE.—"The Jewish Christians living
within sight of the temple naturally allowed
their minds to revert to the peculiar privi-
leges of the Jews as a nation. When they
saw the Christian church departing from
the ceremonies and traditions of Judaism,
and perceived that the peculiar sacredness
with which the Jewish customs had been
invested would soon be lost sight of in the
light of the new faith, many grew indignant
4. What happened when Jews
from Asia saw Paul in the temple?
Acts 21:27, last part, 28-31.
NoTE.—"With the fury of demons they
rushed upon him, crying, 'Men of Israel,
help ! This is the man, that teacheth all
men everywhere against the people, and the
31
IN TRIAL, SUFFERING, OR
IMPRISONMENT, CHRIST IS
OUR
PEACE.
305?-9
law, and this place.' And as the people
responded to the call for help, another ac-
cusation was added,—`and further brought
Greeks also into the temple, and hath pol-
luted this holy place.'
"By the Jewish law, it was a crime pun-
ishable with death for an uncircumcised
person to enter the inner courts of the
sacred edifice. Paul had been seen in the
city in company with Trophimus, an Ephe-
sian, and it was conjectured that he had
brought him into the temple. This he had
not done; and being himself a Jew, his act
in entering the temple was no violation of
the law. But though the charge was wholly
false, it served to arouse the popular preju-
dice."—E. G. White,
The Acts of the Apos-
tles,
pages 406, 407.
5.
How was Paul rescued? Acts
21:32-36.
6.
How did Paul identify himself?
Acts 21:39.
NOTE.—The "examination" would not be
an oral inquiry, but a brutal scourging, to
compel Paul to confess to some wrongdoing.
Paul's Defense
NoTE.—Tarsus was the most important
city in all Cilicia. "The boast was quite a
legitimate one. In addition to all its fame
for culture, the town of Tarsus bore on its
coins the word METROPOLIS-AUTONO-
MOS (Independent) ."—C. J. Ellicott,
Com-
mentary,
on Acts 21:39.
7.
How did Paul defend himself,
and what aroused the Jews to further
tumult? Acts 21:40 to 22:22.
Nom—Paul's defense was a recital of his
wonderful conversion experience, already
studied in Acts 9. Additional information
in Paul's own account, given to the Jewish
crowd, concerns the vision he had in the
temple. Acts 22:17-21. Paul probably
spoke to the Jews in Aramaic, an important
tongue of the Hebrew-Syriac family of
languages and used commonly among Pal-
estinian Jews since the return from Baby-
lonian exile.
8.
When the Jews cried out fur-
ther, what did the captain of the guard
plan to do with Paul? Acts 22:24.
9.
By what statements of fact did
Paul avoid the scourging? Acts 22:
25-29. Compare Acts 16:37-39.
NorE.—"The magic of the Roman law
produced its effect in a moment. The cen-
turion immediately reported the words to
his commanding officers, and said signifi-
cantly, 'Take heed what thou doest: for
this man is a Roman citizen.' Lysias was
both astonished and alarmed. He knew
full well that no man would dare assume
the right of citizenship, if it did not really
belong to him: and he hastened in person
to his prisoner. A hurried dialogue took
place, from which it appeared, not only
that St. Paul was indeed a Roman citizen,
but that he held this privilege under cir-
cumstances far more honourable than his
interrogator: for while Claudius Lysias had
purchased the right for 'a great sum,' Paul
was 'freeborn.' Orders were instantly given
for the removal of the instruments of tor-
ture: and those who had been about to con-
duct the examination retired."—W. J. Cony-
beare and J. S. Howson,
The Life and
Epistles of 5t, Paul,
vol. 2, pp. 259, 260.
r
32
I
10.
When called before the coun-
cil, what great gospel truth did Paul
assert, and with what result? Acts 22:
30 to 23:11.
NoTE.—The Pharisees believed in the su-
pernatural, in angels, and in a bodily resur-
rection. The Sadducees rejected these fun-
damental truths.
Removal to Caesarea
11.
What plot was formed against
Paul, and who revealed it? Acts 23:
12-22.
NoTE.—There is no information concern-
ing any of Paul's relatives, except this one
bare reference to a nephew.
12.
To what place was Paul re-
moved, to save his life? Acts 23:23-33,
first part.
13.
Upon Paul's arrival at Caesa-
rea, what promise did Felix make?
Acts 23:33, last part, 34, 35.
NoTE.—Felix was the Roman procurator
or governor. He was in office from about
A.D.
52 to 60. He was succeeded by Porcius
Festus. Acts 24:27. A Roman historian
says of Felix, "With all manner of cruelty
and lust he exercised royal functions in the
spirit of a slave."
"Felix accepted jurisdiction of the case.
The accusers did not reach Caesarea until
five more days had passed (ch. 24:1)."—
The Seventh
-
day Adventist Bible Com-
mentary,
vol. 6, p. 419.
Lesson 10, for September 7, 1957
Paul Before Felix and Festus
LESSON SCRIPTURE:
Acts 24:1 to 25:12.
MEMORY VERSE:
"But this I confess unto thee, that after the way which they call
heresy, so worship I the God of my fathers, believing all things which are
written in the law and in the prophets." Acts 24:14.
STUDY HELPS:
E. G .White, "The Acts of the Apostles," pages 419-432; Lesson Help
in "Review and Herald" of August 22; "The Seventh-day Adventist Bible
Commentary," Acts, chapter 24.
DAILY STUDY ASSIGNMENT AND RECORD
Check Here
Check
Here
Sabbath afternoon: General survey.
❑
Wednesday: Questions 12-15.
❑
Sunday: Questions 1-3.
❑
Thursday: Read from the Study
Monday: Questions 4-7.
❑
Helps.
❑
Tuesday: Questions
8
-
11.
❑
Friday: Review entire lesson.
0
PURPOSE OF THE LESSON:
To show how the gospel message through Paul reached
the ruling classes of his day.
[ 33 ]
Lesson
Outline:
The Setting of the Lesson
I. The Charges Against Paul
1.
The Jewish accusers. Acts 24:
1, 5-9.
2.
Called a Nazarene. Acts 24:5.
3.
Paul begins his defense. Acts
24:10-13.
II. Paul's Careful Defense
4.
Paul's confession of faith. Acts
24:14.
5.
Paul's belief in the resurrection.
Acts 24:15, 21.
6.
Paul's mission of mercy. Acts 24:
17, 18.
7.
His conduct and character. Acts
24:16.
Paul Before Felix
8.
Paul before Felix and Drusilla.
Acts 24:24.
9.
A warning to Felix. Acts 24:25,
first part.
10.
Felix's postponement. Acts 24:
25, 26.
11.
Prolonged imprisonment. Acts
24:27.
IV. Paul Appeals to Caesar
12.
Festus and the Jews. Acts 25:1-5.
13.
Paul's further defense. Acts 25:
8, 10, 11.
14.
Paul's appeal to the emperor.
Acts 25:10, first part, 11, last part.
15.
The governor's decision. Acts
25:12.
THE LESSON
The Setting of the Lesson
Introduction:
Before Jewish accusers,
come down to Caesarea, Paul defended him-
self, showing that the gospel he proclaimed
was in full accord with Old Testament truth.
When a new governor, Festus, took Felix's
place, Paul again bore his testimony, and
when it looked as though he might be re-
turned to Jerusalem for trial, appealed as a
Roman citizen to Caesar in Rome.
Place:
Caesarea.
Persons:
Paul; Felix the governor; Dru-
silla, his Jewish wife, a descendant of the
famous Jewish royal family of the Hasmo-
naeans or Maccabees; Porcius Festus, Fe-
lix's successor; Ananias, the high priest;
the Jewish elders, members of the Sanhe-
drin; Tertuilus, a hired prosecutor.
The Charges Against Paul
1.
Of what did members of the
Sanhedrin accuse Paul? Acts 24:1, 5-9.
NoTE.-"In his speech against Paul, Ter-
tullus charged that he was a pestilent fel-
low, who created sedition among the Jews
throughout the world, and who was conse-
quently guilty of treason against the em-
peror ; that he was a leader of the sect of
Nazarenes, and chargeable with heresy
against the law of Moses; and that he had
profaned the temple, virtually an offense
not only against the Jewish but the Roman
law, which protected the Jews in their re-
ligious worship."-E. G. White,
Sketches
From the Life of Paul,
page 237.
2.
Of what movement was Paul
called "a ringleader"? Acts 24:5.
NoTE.-Although the word "sect" has a
contemptuous flavor, its basic meaning is
a group which follows a "choice," and
hence a separated party with certain opin-
ions different from others. The word trans-
lated "sect" is the same as that translated
"heresy" in Acts 24:14. The term "Naza-
rene" was used for followers of Christ, be-
cause Jesus had grown up in Nazareth.
3.
How did Paul state his inno-
cence? Acts 24:10-13.
Paul's Careful Defense
4.
What authority did Paul have
for the "way" in which he was walk-
ing? Acts 24:14.
[34]
WHICH
SHALL WE
TAKE -OUR WAY
OR SOD'S WAY ?
NoTE.—The word "way" occurs of ten in
the book of Acts, and is frequently capital-
ized by Bible commentators as being as
meaningful as the word "Christian." It
describes the road walked by those who
fellowship with Christ, who is the "Way."
John 14:6. It has been no uncommon thing
for a man of faith and conscience, who
lives according to the law and the prophets,
to be called a "heretic."
5.
In what hope, shared by some of
his accusers, did Paul live? Acts 24:
15, 21. Compare Acts 23:6, 7.
6.
In contrast to the accusations
against him, for what good purpose
had Paul come to Jerusalem? Acts
24:17, 18.
7.
What did Paul claim regarding
his personal character and conduct?
Acts 24:16.
NoTE.—To have a conscience void of of-
fense "means something more than the
avoidance of the darker sins and the greater
crimes, of those misdeeds which stamp a
man as a sinner and a criminal in the eyes
of the world. It means (1) righteousness in
the sight of the Supreme; the being counted
righteous by God, and the attainment of
positive righteousness like his own; so that
a man is living in a state of abiding accept-
ance with God, and is also walking before
him in uprightness and integrity of heart
and life. It means also (2) recognition of
the claims of men on our regard, and the
consequent shaping of our life in purity,
honesty, truthfulness, helpfulness; so that a
man has not to reproach himself either
with acts of injury or with negligence and
inconsiderateness; he has a 'conscience void
of offense' toward men as well as toward
God."—A. C. Hervey,
The Pulpit Com-
mentary,
The Acts of the Apostles, vol. 2,
p. 236.
Paul Before Felix
8.
Who now heard Paul's further
testimony? Acts 24:24.
NOTE.—Drusilla, a younger sister of King
Herod Agrippa II and Bernice, and a great
granddaughter of Herod the Great, had
been the wife of the king of Emesa. At the
age of twenty-two she had deserted her
husband to cast her lot with the Roman
Felix. "An example of the unbridled licen-
tiousness that stained his [Felix's] character
is seen in his alliance with Drusilla, which
was consummated about this time. Through
the deceptive arts of Simon Magus, a Cyp-
rian sorcerer, Felix had induced this
princess to leave her husband and to be-
come his wife."—E. G. White,
Sketches
From the Life of Paul,
page 235.
9.
Of what did Paul reason with
them? Acts 24:25, first part.
10.
What was Felix's reaction to
this? Acts 24:25 (last part), 26.
Nom—Felix preferred bribes to salva-
tion.
11.
Who succeeded Felix after two
years, and what was done with Paul?
Acts 24:27.
[36
]
Paul Appeals to Caesar
12.
How did Festus answer the
Jews who asked that Paul be con-
victed? Acts 25:1-5.
NoTE.—The pagan Roman Festus was
fairer and more open to guidance from the
Spirit of God than the biased and bitter
Jews.
13.
In what terms did Paul again
insist upon his innocence? Acts 25:
8, 10, 11.
14.
What appeal did Paul make,
and why? Acts 25:10, first part, 11,
last part.
NOTE.—The right of appeal to the em-
peror's judgment seat belonged to Roman
citizenship, and even the most depraved em-
peror was likely in such cases of appeal to
attempt an honorable judgment.
15.
What was Festus' decision con-
cerning Paul? Acts 25:12.
Lesson 11, for September 14, 1957
Paul Before King Agrippa
LESSON SCRIPTURE:
Acts 25:13 to 26:32.
MEMORY VERSE:
"Whereupon, 0 King Agrippa, I was not disobedient unto the
heavenly vision." Acts 26:19.
STUDY HELPS:
E. G. White, "The Acts of the Apostles," pages 433-438; Lesson Help
in "Review and Herald" of August 29; "The Seventh-day Adventist Bible Com-
mentary," Acts, chapters 25, 26.
DAILY STUDY ASSIGNMENT AND RECORD
Check Here
Check Here
Sabbath afternoon: General survey.
❑
Wednesday: Questions 12-15.
❑
Sunday: Questions 1-4.
0
Thursday: Read from the Study
Monday: Questions 5-7.
0
Helps.
❑
Tuesday: Questions 8-11.
0
Friday: Review entire lesson.
❑
PURPOSE OF THE LESSON: To
show the effects of the impact of the gospel upon
royal Jewish minds.
Lesson Outline:
The Setting of the Lesson
I. A Royal Interview
1.
Arrival of Agrippa and Bernice.
Acts 25:13.
2.
Festus reviews the case. Acts
25:14-21.
3.
A pompous gathering. Acts 25:
22, 23.
4.
The expectations of Festus. Acts
25:24-27.
II. Paul's Defense
5.
Paul's Jewish heritage. Acts
26:4, 5.
6.
The basis of Paul's hope. Acts
26:6, 7.
7.
The resurrection doctrine. Acts
26:8, 14, 15.
[36
]
Ill. From Persecutor to Gospel Witness
8.
Saul the persecutor. Acts 26:9-12.
9.
Paul the witness. Acts 26:12-15.
10.
The heavenly vision. Acts 26:19.
11.
The essence of the gospel. Acts
26:22, 23.
IV. Agrippa's Decision
12.
Festus calls Paul mad. Acts 26:
24-27.
13.
Agrippa rejects the message.
Acts 26:28.
14.
Paul's desire for the king. Acts
26:29.
15.
The king's judgment. Acts 26:32.
THE LESSON
The Setting of the Lesson
Introduction:
Paul was held at Caesarea
to be interviewed by King Herod Agrippa II
and his sister Bernice. He told his story to
Herod, and appealed to the king, though in
vain, to accept the gospel. He' was ordered
to Rome.
Place:
Caesarea.
Persons:
Paul; Porcius Festus, the gov-
ernor; King Herod Agrippa II and his sis-
ter Bernice, children of King Herod Agrippa
I (Acts 12), and great grandchildren of
King Herod the Great; the chief men of
the Roman garrison and of the city of
Caesarea.
A Royal Interview
1. Who now came on a visit of
state to Festus? Acts 25:13.
in heart and in life. God and angels ab-
horred their course of sin. But because
they possessed, in a limited degree, power
and position, they were the favorites of the
world. That aged prisoner, standing chained
to his soldier guard, presented nothing im-
posing or attractive in his dress or appear-
ance, that the world should pay him
homage. Yet this man, apparently without
friends or wealth or position, had an escort
that worldlings could not see. Angels of
Heaven were his attendants. Had the glory
of one of those shining messengers flashed
forth, the pomp and pride of royalty would
have paled before it."-E. G. White,
Sketches From the Life of Paul,
page 254.
4. What did Festus hope would re-
sult from this interview? Acts 25:
24-27.
Paul's Defense
NoTE.-King Herod Agrippa II was the
last of the famous Jewish Hasmonaean or
Maccabean royal family to exercise ruler-
ship.
2.
How did Festus explain Paul's
case? Acts 25:14-21.
3.
Who were present when Paul
appeared before the royal visitors?
Acts 25:22, 23.
NOTE.-"What a contrast was there pre-
sented ! Agrippa and Bernice were destitute
of the traits of character which God esteems.
They were transgressors of His law, corrupt
5.
How did Paul begin his de-
fense? Acts 26:4, 5. Compare Phil.
3:3-5.
6.
Upon what solid basis did Paul's
spiritual hope rest? Acts 26:6, 7.
NorE.-Paul insisted always, and truth-
fully, that his teachings were not new and
strange, but in complete harmony with the
inspired truths of the Hebrew faith as set
forth in the Scriptures. Compare Luke 24:
27, 44. The Christian of today, seeking to
obey God as evidence of his love for Him,
must be able to point out that he also be-
37
„Hopt.5'
A
CRUMBLING WORLD,
A
REDEEMING
CHRIST, AN 'ALMOST SAVED" MAN.
lieves and practices all that is taught in the
Scriptures of truth.
7.
How did Paul's experience at
Damascus establish his faith in the
resurrection doctrine? Acts 26:8, 14,
15.
NOTE.—"Why, he asked, should it ap-
pear incredible that Christ should rise from
the dead? It had once been so to himself;
but how could he disbelieve what he had
himself seen and heard in that noonday
vision? He could bear witness to the resur-
rection of the dead; for he had looked upon
the crucified and risen Christ,—the same
who walked the streets of Jerusalem, who
died on Calvary, who broke the bands of
death, and ascended to Heaven from Olivet.
He had seen Him and had talked with Him
as verily as had Cephas, James, John, or
any other of the disciples. And how could
he be disobedient when the Voice from
Heaven sent him forth to open the eyes of
Jews and Gentiles, that they might turn
from darkness to light, and from the power
of Satan unto God, that they might re-
ceive forgiveness of sins, and an inheritance
among them that are sanctified? In Da-
mascus, in Jerusalem, and throughout all
Judea, and to the Gentiles, he had preached
repentance toward God, faith in Christ, and
a life consistent therewith."—E. G. White,
Sketches From the Life of Paul,
pages 257,
258.
From Persecutor to Gospel Witness
8.
What facts of his past life did
Paul recount? Acts 26:9-12.
9.
How was his persecuting career
arrested? Acts 26:12-15.
10.
To what had Paul immediately
give obedience? Acts 26:19.
NOTE.—Whether or not a man has a su-
pernatural vision of his God, he is under
obligation, when God grants him by the
Spirit a spiritual perception of truth, to
obey as immediately and unselfishly as did
Paul when he received his Damascus call.
11.
In what striking terms did
Paul summarize for King Agrippa
the gospel message? Acts 26:22, 23.
NoTE.—"The apostle was dwelling upon
his favorite theme, in that solemn, earnest,
impassioned manner winch had been so
powerful an agent in his mission. In the
all-absorbing interest of his subject, he lost
sight of kings and governors and chief cap-
tains, of wealth, rank, and titles. He was
bearing the testimony which 'was the object
of his life, and he could speak with the as-
surance of long familiarity and the fire of
intense conviction. None who heard him
could doubt his sincerity. But in the full
tide of his eloquence he was suddenly
stopped short. The facts related were new
to Festus, as to nearly all present. The
whole audience had listened spellbound to
Paul's account of wonderful experiences and
visions, of revelations and ancient proph-
ecies, and of a Jewish prophet who had
been rejected and crucified, yet who had
risen from the dead and ascended to
Heaven; and who only could forgive sins
and lighten the darkness of Jews and Gen-
tiles."—E. G. White,
Sketches From the
Life of Paul,
page 258.
[ 38 ]
Agrippa's Decision
15. What was the king's final
opinion concerning Paul's case? Acts
12. How was Paul interrupted, and 26:32.
how did he respond? Acts 26:24-27.
NOTE.—The original for "much learning"
would be better translated "the many
writings," as a reference to the sacred writ-
ings of the Jews of which Paul was so ar-
dent a student.
13.
How was Agrippa affected by
Paul's message? Acts 26:28.
NoTE.—"Deeply affected, Agrippa for the
moment lost sight of his surroundings and
the dignity of his position. Conscious only
of the truths which he had heard, seeing
only the humble prisoner standing before
him as God's ambassador, he answered in-
voluntarily, 'Almost thou persuadest me to
be a Christian.' "—E. G. White,
The Acts
of the Apostles,
page 438.
14.
What experience did Paul de-
sire for the king? Acts 26:29.
NOTE.—"As the assembly dispersed, the
case of Paul was freely discussed, and all
agreed that, while he might be an enthusi-
ast or a fanatic, he could not in any sense
be regarded as a legal criminal; he had
done nothing worthy of death or imprison-
ment.
"Though Agrippa was a Jew, he did not
share the bigoted zeal and blind prejudice
of the Pharisees. He had no desire to see
freedom of thought suppressed by violence.
`This man,' he said, 'might have been set
at liberty, if he had not appealed unto
Caesar.' But now that the case had been
referred to that higher tribunal, it was be-
yond the jurisdiction of Festus or Agrippa.
Yet, two years afterward, the result of that
day's proceedings saved the life so precious
to the cause of God."—E. G. White,
Sketches From the Life of Paul,
pages 260,
261.
Lesson 12, for September 21, 1957
The Journey to Rome
LESSON SCRIPTURE:
Acts 27:1 to 28:14.
MEMORY VERSE:
"God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble."
Ps. 46:1.
STUDY HELPS: E.
G. White, "The Acts of the Apostles," pages 439-468; Lesson Help
in "Review and Herald" of September 5; "The Seventh-day Adventist Bible
Commentary," Acts, chapters 27,28.
DAILY STUDY ASSIGNMENT AND RECORD
Check Here
Check Here
Sabbath afternoon: General survey.
0
Wednesday: Questions 11-14.
❑
Sunday: Questions 1-3.
❑
Thursday: Read from Study
Monday: Questions 4-7.
❑
Helps.
0
Tuesday: Questions 8-10.
❑
Friday: Review entire lesson.
0
PURPOSE OF THE LESSON:
To show how God, in working out His will, can overcome
the most adverse circumstances.
39
Lesson
Outline:
The Setting of the Lesson
I. Sailing for Rome
1.
The ship's course. Acts 27:1-8.
2.
The stormy season. Acts 27:9.
3.
Paul's counsel rejected. Acts 27:
10-20.
II. The Effects of the Storm
4.
Paul's message of assurance. Acts
27:21-26.
5.
The sailors' attempt to escape.
Acts 27:27-32.
6.
Paul's counsel followed. Acts
27:33-36.
7.
A full ship. Acts 27:37.
Ill. The Landing at Malta
8.
Escape from the wreck. Acts
27:38 to 28:1.
9.
Paul saved from death. Acts
28:2-6.
10.
A courteous reception. Acts 28:7.
11.
Miracles of healing. Acts 28:8, 9.
IV. The Departure for Rome
12.
Cordial preparations for the
voyage. Acts 28:10.
13.
The departure. Acts 28:11.
14.
Among brethren again. Acts
28:14.
Introduction:
The voyage of Paul the
prisoner to Rome was fraught with danger.
The ship, storm-tossed day after day, fi-
nally broke up on the shore of the island
of Malta. Paul's courage and endurance
had been an example to all on shipboard
throughout the voyage, and when the ship-
wrecked passengers and crew were forced to
make their way ashore, Paul's wisdom and
heaven-inspired counsel enabled them to
land safely. From Malta, Paul eventually
reached Rome, where he was held a prisoner
under very liberal rules.
Places:
Caesarea; Sidon; Myra; Fair
Havens in Crete; Malta; Syracuse in Sicily;
Reggio, Puteoli, Rome, in Italy.
Persons:
Paul; Luke; Aristarchus; Julius
a centurion and his soldiers; the ship's pas-
sengers and crew; an angel; the people of
Malta; Publius the governor and his father;
Christian believers in Italy; the Jews of
Rome; a Roman army officer and soldiers.
Interesting Terms:
"Euroclydon." A
northeast wind, a troublesome weather
breeder in the east Mediterranean in the
winter season.
"The fast." Probably the Feast of Atone-
ment, on the tenth day of the seventh
month of the Hebrew religious year, com-
ing in the latter part of October, when
based on the barley-harvest reckoning.
"Boat." A lifeboat carried by the larger
ship.
LESSON
"Quicksands." The shores of modern Tu-
nis, in North Africa.
"Adria." The Adriatic Sea, east of Italy.
"Meat." Old English translation of an
original word meaning food in general.
Sailing for Rome
1. What course was taken by the
ship carrying Paul to Rome? Acts
27:1-8.
NOTE.
-"The
voyage began prosperously,
and the day after they started, they cast
anchor in the harbor of Sidon. Here Julius,
the centurion who had listened to the apos-
tle's address before Agrippa, and had thus
been favorably disposed toward him, 'cour-
teously entreated Paul,' and being informed
that there were Christians in the place, he
`gave him liberty to go unto his friends to
refresh himself.' The favor was highly ap-
preciated by the apostle, who was in feeble
health, and but scantily provided with com-
forts for the long journey. His brief stay in
Sidon was like an oasis in his barren and
dreary path, and proved a comfort and
encouragement to him during the anxious,
storm-tossed weeks upon the sea."-E. G.
White,
Sketches From the Life of Paul,
page 263.
THE
The Setting of the Lesson
40
2.
What was the season of the
year? Acts 27:9. Compare verse 12.
3.
After Paul's counsel was re-
jected, in what was the ship caught?
Acts 27:10-20.
NoTE.—"All night the tempest raged, and
the ship leaked. The next day, all on
board—soldiers, sailors, passengers, and
prisoners—united in throwing overboard
everything that could be spared. Night
came again, but the wind did not abate.
The storm-beaten ship, with its shattered
mast and rent sails, was tossed hither and
thither by the fury of the gale. Every mo-
ment it seemed that the groaning timbers
must give way as the vessel reeled and
quivered under the tempest's shock. The
leak rapidly increased, and passengers and
crew worked constantly at the pumps.
There was not a moment's rest for one on
board."—E. G. White,
Sketches From the
Life of Paul,
page 265.
The Effects of the Storm
4.
What assurance was Paul en-
abled to bring? Acts 27:21-26.
NoTE.—"At these words, hope revived.
Passengers and crew roused from their
apathy. There was much yet to be done,
and every effort within their power must
be put forth to avert destruction."—E. G.
White,
The Acts of the Apostles,
page 443.
5.
What cowardly attempt did
some make to escape? Acts 27:27-32.
6.
What did Paul urge? Acts 27:
33-36.
7.
What evidence is there of the
size of the vessel? Acts 27:37.
•
TO REACH
OUR HEAVENLY HOME WE MUST
BE WILLING TO LEAVE OUR LOST WORLD.
"n".
NoTE.—Huge ships sailed the Mediter-
ranean in Paul's day, especially for the
grain trade between Egypt and Rome.
Ships of lengths up to 200 feet with 50-foot
beam are noted, with 150 to 200 oarsmen,
and sails to supplement the oars.
The Landing at Malta
8.
How was the landing made, and
on what island? Acts 27:38 to 28:1.
9.
What miracle saved Paul, with
what result? Acts 28:2-6. Compare
Mark 16:17, 18.
NOTE.—"Paul was among the most active
in collecting fuel. As he was placing a bun-
dle of sticks upon the fire, a viper that had
been suddenly revived from its torpor by
the heat, darted from the fagots and fas-
tened upon his hand. The bystanders were
horror-struck, and seeing by his chain that
Paul was a prisoner, they said to one an-
other, 'No doubt this man is a murderer,
whom, though he bath escaped the sea, yet
vengeance suffereth not to live.' But Paul
shook off the creature into the fire, and
suffered no harm. Knowing its venomous
nature, they watched him closely for some
time, expecting every moment to
see
him
1
41
1
fall down, writhing in terrible agony. But
as no unpleasant results followed, they
changed their minds, and, like the people
of Lystra, said that he was a god. By this
circumstance Paul gained a strong influence
over the islanders, and he sought faithfully
to employ it in leading them to accept the
truths of the gospel."—E. G. White,
Sketches
From the Life of Paul,
pages 270, 271.
10.
What kind of reception was
accorded them on the island, and at
whose hands? Acts 28:7.
NoTE.—"The chief [or
first]
man of the
island" is probably an official title, for it
has been found on Maltese inscriptions.
Publius was one of this man's names, no
doubt the one most commonly used. His
courtesy to strangers brought him in con-
'tact with the power of God.
"We are to be courteous toward all men,
tenderhearted and sympathetic; for this
was the character Christ manifested when
on earth. The more closely we are united
with Jesus Christ, the more tender and
affectionate will be our conduct toward one
another."—Testimonies to Ministers,
page
377.
11.
What circumstance led to a
miracle of healing in the home of Pub-
lius, and with what results? Acts
28:8,
9.
The. Departure for Rome
12.
What relationship did the peo-
ple of the island sustain toward Paul
and his companions until their de-
parture? Acts 28:10.
13.
For how long did they remain
on the island, and in what vessel did
they depart? Acts 28:11.
14.
At
what place did paul enjoy
fellowship with brethren? Acts 28:14.
NoTE.—Puteoli (Pozzuoli) was in the
Bay of Naples. They had covered some 180
nautical miles in under two days,
-
and were
now in the principal port of southern Italy,
the great grain emporium for the Alexan-
drian wheat ships. Jews and Christians
were found in this seaport.
"In this place there were a few Chris-
tians, and they entreated the apostle to re-
main with them for seven days, a privilege
kindly granted by the centurion. Since re-
ceiving Paul's epistle to the Romans, the
Christians of Italy had eagerly looked for-
ward to a visit from the apostle."—E. G.
White,
The Acts of the Apostles,
page 447.
Lesson 13, for September 28, 1957
Paul's Last Years
LESSON SCRIPTURES: Acts 28:15-31; 2 Tim. 1:12-17; 4:6-8.
MEMORY VERSE: "I know whom I have believed, and am persuaded that. He is able
to keep that which I have committed unto Him against that day." 2 Tim. 1:12,
last part.
;
STUDY HELPS: E. G. White, "The Acts of the Apostles," pages 469-513; Lesson Help
in "Review and Herald" of September 12; "The Seventh-day Adventist Bible
Commentary," vol. 6, pp. 30, 101, 107.
[42
1
DAILY STUDY ASSIGNMENT AND RECORD
Check Here
Sdbbath afternoon: General survey.
❑
Sunday: Questions 1, 2.
❑
Monday: Questions 3-6.
❑
Tuesday: Questions
7-10.
❑
Check
Here
Wednesday: Questions 11-14.
Thursday: Read from the Study
Helps.
Friday: Review entire lesson.
PURPOSE OF THE LESSON: To
witness Paul's faith and activity during imprison-
ment, and his evangelistic fervor to the end of his long and arduous career for
Christ.
Lesson
Outline:
The Setting of the Lesson
I. Paul in Rome
1.
Courage from companions. Acts
28:15.
2.
With a solitary guard. Acts 28:16.
3.
Meeting the Jews. Acts 28:17-20,
first part.
II. Paul and the
Jews
in Rome
4.
"The hope of Israel." Acts 28:20,
second part.
5.
The Jews' cautious reply. Acts
28:21, 22.
6.
Paul's testimony of Jesus. Acts
28:23, 24.
III. Paul and the Gentile World
7.
Paul's final word to the Jews.
Acts 28:27.
8.
Paul's prophecy of the Gentiles.
Acts 28:28.
9.
Jewish rejection of the gospel.
Acts 13:45.
IV. The Everlasting Gospel to the
Whole World
10.
Jesus and the Jewish rejection.
Matt. 13:14, 15; 21:43.
11.
Duration and nature of Paul's
imprisonment. Acts 28:30.
12.
The courageous spirit of Paul.
Acts 28:31.
13.
A touching conversion. Philemon
1, 10.
14.
Paul's undying courage. 2 Tim.
1:12; 4:6-8.
THE LESSON
The Setting of the Lesson
Introduction:
Paul reached the Roman
mainland, and a touching meeting is re-
corded when a deputation of Christians who
had traveled forty miles, met him. Though
chained to a guard, Paul enjoyed a large
measure of freedom and spent two profit-
able years in meeting Jews and Gentiles,
preaching the gospel of the kingdom and
writing certain epistles to the churches.
Converts were made and the church im-
mensely strengthened under the apostle's
courage and care.
Place:
Rome.
Persons:
Paul; Luke; Timothy; Titus-;
Demas; Nero.
Paul in Rome
1. What did the Christians of Rome
do when they heard of the apostle's
approach, and with what result? Acts
28:15.
NOTE.-A group of Christians set out
from Rome along the famous military road,
the Appian Way, so called because it was
planned during the censorship of Claudius
Appius, 312 B.C. The Three Taverns was a
stopping place about forty miles from
Rome, and here the brethren met the apos-
tle.
[ 43 ]
" 'They came to meet us' . . . was al-
most a technical term for the official wel-
come of a visiting dignitary. . . . Compare
the same use in Matt. 25:6; 1 Thess. 4:17."
—F. F. Bruce,
The Book of the Acts,
page
527.
Paul's long-cherished desire to visit Rome
(Rom. 1:9-12) was now gratified, and he
took courage on meeting the brethren. Read
E. G. White,
The Acts of the Apostles,
pages 448, 449, on this meeting.
2.
What unusual favor was granted
to Paul when he arrived in Rome?
Acts 28:16.
NorE.—"The good account which he
[Julius] gave of Paul, together with the
letter from Festus, caused the apostle to be
favorably regarded by the chief captain,
and instead of being thrown into prison, he
was permitted to live in his own hired
house. Although still constantly chained to
a soldier, he was at liberty to receive his
friends, and to labor for the advancement
of the cause of Christ."—E. G. White,
The
Acts of the Apostles,
pages 449, 450.
3.
What was Paul's first significant
recorded action after he arrived in
Rome? Acts 28:17-20, first part.
NoTE.—"Many of the Jews who had
been banished from Rome some years pre-
viously, had been allowed to return, so that
large numbers were now to be found there.
To these, first of all, Paul determined to
present the facts concerning himself and his
work, before his enemies should have op-
portunity to embitter them against him.
Three days after his arrival in Rome, there-
fore, he called together their leading men,
and in a simple, direct manner stated why
he had come to Rome as a prisoner."—E.
G. White,
The Acts of the Apostles,
page
450.
"He said nothing of the abuse which he
had suffered at the hands of the Jews, or of
their repeated plots to assassinate him. His
words were marked with caution and kind-
ness. He was not seeking to win personal
attention or sympathy, but to defend the
truth and to maintain the honor of the
gospel."—/bid.
Paul and the Jews in Rome
4.
What reason did Paul mention
for his presence as a prisoner in
Rome? Acts 28:20, second part.
NorE.—Paul was at pains to make it
clear that he was in Rome, not to appeal
to Rome over the head of the Jewish au-
thorities, but "for the hope of Israel." That
would imply the Messianic hope.
"It was a principle with the Jews not to
invoke Gentile authority against their own
people. Similarly Paul held (1 Cor. vi. 1)
that Christians ought not to go to law be-
fore heathen tribunals. Hence he was
anxious that these Jews should not think
that in appealing he had any thought of
bringing a charge against his countrymen."
—W. M. Furneaux,
The Acts of the Apos-
tles,
pages 410, 411.
5.
What were the two main points
in the reply of the Jews to Paul's
statement? Acts 28:21, 22.
NOTE
.—They diplomatically answered
that no reports from Judea had preceded
him, but they admitted knowledge of the
widespread hostility to "this sect." Nero,
one of the worst of Roman emperors,
scarcely over twenty-five years old, was on
[44
]
the throne, and he was already feared for
his bloodthirstiness. Both Jews and Chris-
tians needed to be careful. Perhaps the edict
of Acts 18:2 made them still more cautious
in discussing Christianity.
6.
How did Paul grasp the oppor-
tunity to speak to these Jews? Acts
28:23, 24.
NOTE.—"He expounded and testified the
kingdom of God," and he persuaded "them
concerning Jesus." These things are the
basis of all successful preaching. Compare
Acts 18:4.
As Paul spoke of what he knew, and testi-
fied of what he had seen, concerning Jesus
of Nazareth as the hope of Israel, those who
were honestly seeking for truth were con-
vinced. Upon some minds, at least, his words
made an impression that was never effaced.
But others stubbornly refused to accept the
plain testimony of the Scriptures, even when
presented to them by one who had the
special illumination of the Holy Spirit.
They could not refute his arguments, but
they refused to accept his conclusions."—
E. G. White,
The Acts of the Apostles,
pages 452, 453.
Paul and the Gentile World
7.
When many would not believe,
what was Paul's final word to the
Jews? Acts 28:27.
NOTE.—This is the last instance of re-
jection recorded in the book, and it is fit-
ting to note that Paul's use of Isaiah 6:9 re-
calls the warning to the newly called Isaiah
that he would not meet with a favorable
response from his people. Note how Jesus
used the same words of Isaiah in Matthew
13:14, et cetera. The Jewish rejection of
Jesus was also stated tersely by John: "He
came unto His own, and His own received
Him not." John
1:11.
8.
What prophetic utterance did
Paul make to the Jews concerning
the Gentiles and the salvation of God?
Acts 28:28.
NOTE.—"The narrative reaches a solemn
climax—rejection on the one side, un-
checked success and hope on the other."—
F. H. Chase,
The Credibility of the Book of
the Acts of the Apostles,
page 52, quoted in
F. F. Bruce,
The Book of the Acts,
page
534.
"The word of Paul in Rome was the final
word. Ere very many years had gone, after
a period of oppression, tyranny, and suffer-
ing, the Roman eagles were carried through
Jerusalem, and the nation was swept out.
It was the occasion of the last and solemn
abandonment of the people, this word
spoken by Paul to the Hebrew rulers in
that city of Rome, the central city of the
world."—G. Campbell Morgan,
The Acts
of the Apostles,
page 542.
9.
What evidence is there that the
Jews definitely rejected the gospel
message before the apostles turned to
the Gentiles? Acts 13:45. Compare
Rom. 11:11.
NOTE.—"Filled with envy, . . . contra-
dicting and blaspheming." Paul and Bar-
nabas waxed bold, despite this rejection,
and replied: "It was necessary that the
word of God should first have been spoken
to you: but seeing ye put it from you, and
judge yourselves unworthy of everlasting
life, lo, we turn to the Gentiles." Verse
46. They then quoted Isaiah 42:6 as ful-
filled in the Christian gospel: "I have set
thee to be a light of the Gentiles, that thou
shouldest be for salvation unto the ends of
the earth." Acts 13:47.
The Everlasting Gospel to
the Whole World
10.
How did Jesus teach both the
Jewish rejection of the gospel and its
acceptance by Gentiles? Matt. 13:14,
15; 21:43. Compare Matt. 24:14.
NOTE.—In Matthew 13, in the parables
of the kingdom, Jesus used the same words
of Isaiah as were used by Paul to the Jews
in Rome. John quoted the same words
[ 45 ]
about the unbelieving Jews. John 12:40.
Many years later, John wrote: "And I saw
another angel fly in the midst of heaven,
having the everlasting gospel to preach
unto them that dwell on the earth, and to
every nation, and kindred, and tongue, and
people." Rev. 14:6.
11.
How long did Paul spend in
Rome at this time, and how was his
time occupied? Acts 28:30.
NoTE.—"In the providence of God, this
delay resulted in the furtherance of the
gospel. Through the favor of those who
had Paul in charge, he was permitted to
dwell in a commodious house, where he
could meet freely with his friends, and also
present the truth daily to those who came
to hear. . . .
"During this time, the churches that he
had established in many lands were not for-
gotten. Realizing the dangers that threat-
ened the converts to the new faith, the
apostle sought so far as possible to meet
their needs by letters of warning and prac-
tical instruction. And from Rome he sent
out consecrated workers to labor not only
for these churches, but in fields that he him-
self had not visited. These workers, as wise
shepherds strengthened the work so well
begun by Paul; and the apostle, kept in-
formed of the condition and dangers of the
churches by constant communication with
them, was enabled to exercise a wise super-
vision over all."—E. G. White,
The Acts of
the Apostles,
pages 453, 454.
The letters Paul wrote from Rome are
known as the "Prison Epistles," and their
identity is suggested in Philippians 1:13;
Colossians 1:24; Ephesians 3:13; and Phi-
lemon 1.
12.
How do the closing words of
the book of Acts show the courageous
spirt of Paul? Acts 28:31.
NoTE.—"Preaching the kingdom of God
. . . with all confidence." That is a grand
conclusion to events which began in Jeru-
salem and had now spread abroad to Rome,
the center of the world.
13.
What touching story of con-
version at this time did Paul record?
Philemon 1, 10.
NOTE.—"Among those who gave their
hearts to God through the labors of Paul
in Rome, was Onesimus, a pagan slave who
had wronged his master, Philemon, a Chris-
tian believer in Colosse, and had escaped to
Rome. In the kindness of his heart, Paul
sought to relieve the poverty and distress of
the wretched fugitive, and then endeavored
to shed the light of truth into his darkened
mind. . . .
"Onesimus endeared himself to Paul by
his piety and sincerity, no less than by his
tender care for the apostle's comfort, and
his zeal in promoting the work of the gos-
pel. Paul saw in him traits of character
that would render him a useful helper
,
in
missionary labor, and he counseled him to
return without delay to Philemon, beg- his
forgiveness, and plan for the future. . . .
"Paul volunt
arily proposed to assume the
debt of Onesimus in order that the guilty
one might be spared the disgrace of punish-
ment, and might again enjoy the privileges
he had forfeited. 'If thou count me there-
fore a partner,' he wrote to Philemon, 're-
ceive him as myself. If he hath wronged
thee, or oweth thee aught, put that on mine
account; I Paul have written it with mine
own hand, I will repay it.'
•
"How fitting an illustration of the
-
love
of Christ for the repentant sinner 1"—E. G.
White,
The Acts of the Apostles,
pages 456-
458.
14.
What do we know about Paul's
courage as the end of his life ap-
proached? 2 Tim. 1:12; 4:6-8.
NoTE.—After two years' imprisonment
Paul was tried and declared guiltless by
Nero, and he was again
,
free to visit the
churches. But after a.' time he was im-
prisoned again, and in his second trial be-
fore Nero he was sentenced to be beheaded.
"The aPostle was looking into the great
beyond, not with uncertainty or dread, but
with joyous hope 'and longing expeCtation.
As he stands at the place of mailyidOm;le
[ 46.1
sees not the sword of the executioner or
the earth so soon to receive his blood; he
looks up through the calm blue heaven of
that summer day to the throne of the Eter-
nal. . . .
"Well-nigh a score of centuries have
passed since Paul the Aged poured out his
blood as a witness for the word of God and
the testimony of Jesus Christ. No faithful
hand recorded for the generations to come
the last scenes in the life of this holy man;
but Inspiration has preserved for us his
dying testimony. Like a trumpet peal his
voice has rung out through all the ages
since, nerving with his own courage thou-
sands of witnesses for Christ, and waken-
ing in thousands of sorrow-stricken hearts
the echo of his own triumphant joy: 'I am
now ready to be offered, and the time of
my departure is at hand. I have fought a
good fight, I have finished my course, I have
kept the faith: henceforth there is laid up
for me a crown of righteousness, which the
Lord, the righteous Judge, shall give me at
that day: and not to me only, but unto all
them also that love His appearing.' "—E.
G. White,
The Acts of the Apostles,
pages
511-513.
THIRTEENTH SABBATH OFFERING
September 28, 1957
The overflow of the Thirteenth Sabbath Offering on September 28 goes to
the Southern Asia Division to help in building a new medical center in New
Delhi and in rebuilding the East Pakistan Training School. For a long time
our people in Southern Asia have felt the need of a medical center in the
capital city of New Delhi. It is planned to build a modest but modern well-
equipped hospital of about sixty beds.
The training school at Jalipar has served a great need for our Bengal-speak-
ing youth, but the school buildings are badly in need of repair, and they need
to be raised above flood level, so that every year the students won't have to
move to the top floor when the rains come.
Let us give a good offering for India this quarter.
LESSONS FOR THE FOURTH QUARTER, 1957
Sabbath school members who have failed to receive a senior
Lesson Quarterly
for the
fourth quarter of 1957 will be helped by the following outline in studying the first lesson.
The subject of the quarter's lessons is "Lessons From the Lives of Old Testament Proph-
ets." The title of the first lesson is "Abraham, Friend of God." The Memory Verse is
Hebrews 11:8. The texts to be studied are:
Ques. 1. Gen. 20:7.
Ques. 2. Gen. 12:1, 2 ; Joshua 24:2.
Ques. 3. Gen. 12:4, first part; Heb. 11:8.
Ques. 4. Gen. 12:4, last part.
Ques. 5. Gen. 12:5.
Ques. 6. Gen. 12:7, 8 ; 13 :4, 18.
Ques. 7. Gen. 18:19 ; 26:5.
[ 47 ]
Ques. 8. Gen. 12:10.
Ques. 9. Gen. 12:11-16.
Ques. 10. Gen. 12 :17-20.
Ques. 11. Gen. 20:1-5, 13.
Ques. 12. Gen 13:7-9.
Ques. 13. Rom. 12 :10 ; Phil. 2:4.
Ques. 14. Gen. 14:13, last part.
TIBET
•
•
• BHUTAN
EvERist.t
.
"
7
".. 11(1(1,
1_"
NEPAL
iAr.0.11:01%
ar;
DARNELINC;;;
•
•
PALANATA
•••••• •
-
4:
...•ozoc
CA NGE
AGRA
LUCK
LUCKNOW
NPAW
EAST PAKISTAN
TRAINING SCHOOL
RAJASTHAN
B NA4ES
BIHAR
UTTAR PRADESH
•
C •
MGIUNOUR
I
•
PUNJAB
h- •
•
SIMLA
SSOOI
VINCINVNILL aNOOL
LOORKEE•
ES.LGT •
,• MORADADA
NEW
OELH
\
'N'uK
NEW DELHI
MEDICAL CENTER
GOpAL
•
• RANCNI
SaMP9R
NORTHWESTERN INDIA UNION
NORTHEAST UNION
•
BHOPAL
•
INDOR
MADHYA PRADESH
CALC TT
5,
CEYLON UNIO
MAILAPIT
ARABIAN SEA
BAY OF BENGAL
TUMOR
•••••,,,
TRAVANCORE
•
KOTTARAKARA
•
PRA ASAPURUM
TIIVANDRUM
PE COMORIN
•
SURAT
•
LASALCAON.
•
KALTAN
MOAT
i
SPICER MEMORIAL COLLEGE
HYDERABAD
•• POONA
SOUTHERN ASIA DIVISION
BOMBAY STATE
NARSAP •
UML• Minim
BURMA
CEYLON
C0,1
NORTHEAST
SOUTH INDIA UNION
NORTHWESTERN INDIA
!•-•,..)
SOUTH INDIA
PAKISTAN
.
IANCALOR AO
v
d
o
„
DIVISION TOTALS
CHRISTIAN MEDICAL SLICE
Ctts
Sti.tett
19.855.560
26
1,923
2,491
8.098437
12
573
752
94,033,594
60
3,082
3,755
185,498,048
23
1,114
1.750
91,835,812
136
7,660
10.851
72,500.000
16
1,062
5.192
36,956.150
17
1,070
1,717
508.777.801
290
16,484
26,508
WEST
MYSORE
MADRAS BOMBAY STATE
•
NACPUR
COLOMBO
INDIAN OCEAN